1996 EERI Student Paper Award Modeling of the Nonlinear Seismic Behavior of Gravity Load Designed Frames

Evaluating and, if necessary, retrofitting seismically loaded Gravity Load Designed (GLD) infilled frames requires accurate analytical models. This paper gives an overview of experimental and analytical investigations conducted on GLD steel frames infilled with unreinforced concrete block masonry walls. The presented analytical models can reasonably predict the seismic response of such structures. The experimental study adopts both quasi-static and pseudo-dynamic methods. Detailed finite element models and a more practical compression-only strut model for the infills are the analytical tools considered in the present study.