In-plane load resistance of semi interlocking masonry infill panels. Analytical procedure

This paper presents an analytical procedure for calculating in-plane load resistance of a new building system for masonry infill panels - semi interlocking masonry (SIM). SIM is a mortar-less masonry system. It utilises special methods of brick interlocking that allows relative sliding of brick courses in-plane of a panel and prevents out-of-plane relative movement. Compared to traditional masonry, it has increased capacity to dissipate earthquake energy through friction between bricks. SIM infills are intended as passive energy dissipation devices (EDDs) for earthquake resistant structures. Vibration control properties of such devices usually are determined by prototype testing. SIM panels, however, cannot be easily tested outside of the frame. In addition, being displacement-dependent EDDs, they shall be modelled in sufficient detail to capture their forcedisplacement response as well as interaction with primary frame elements. While the displacement capacity of SIM panels exceeds all reasonable requirements by definition, the in-plane load resistance must be determined. This paper presents a required analytical procedure and demonstrates its application on different types of SIM panels. Analytical results are compared to experimental results. They closely correlate for all types of SIM infill panels