Experimental Investigation to Establish the Possibility of Realistic Simulation of the Behavior of Single Storey?One Bay Infilled R.C. Frames in Scale 1:9, Subjected to Horizontal Cyclic Loading

In order to study the dynamic behaviour of construction, specifically seismic response of structures, as many researchers did, we have resorted to modelling methods, based on the scaled internal forces. Therefore, this research includes results of an experimental investigation aimed to establish the possibility of realistic simulations of the cyclic response of small-scale models of one bay, one-storey reinforced concrete frames with masonry infills as a preliminary step for simulating the dynamic response of such structural. So, the specimens constructed were 1:9 scale R/C frames. These 1:9 scale infill frames were constructed with prototype materials and were tested in an extensive experimental sequence representing specimens of a scale near the prototype (1:3). The tested laboratory models include 1:3 scale infilled R/C frames that were built from original material such as steel, concrete and masonry infills (hollow masonry units and mortar). With the same scale, geometry and construction materials used for the construction of a 1:3 scale 5-story three dimensional building. This program consisted of 16 models, 5 bare and 11 masonry infilled. all models refer to single-storey one-bay 1:9 scale as for the original structure and a one third of the scale (1:3) as for the prototype (1:3). The reinforced concrete specimens were designed in such a way as to prevent shear failure of the columns. Finally, the present paper was carried out in the Laboratory of Strength of Materials and Structures in the Department of Civil Engineering at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.