Seismic infill–frame interaction of masonry walls partitioned with horizontal sliding joints: analysis and simplified modeling

This paper proposes a simplified approach to analyze the seismic performance of masonry infills with sliding joints in moment-resisting frame structures. The proposed methodology uses the equivalent strut approach, calibrated on the results of a novel analytical formulation, which considers the basic geometrical and mechanical properties of the infill. The method is validated through the comparison of the estimated infill resistance and shear demand on the column with those obtained from an extensive experimental and numerical study using refined finite element models. For the case studies considered, the simplified model offers a reliable estimate of the global and local response.