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Determination of the Mechanical Properties of Flexible Connectors for Use in Insulated Concrete Wall Panels
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Seismic Protection of RC Buildings by Polymeric Infill Wall-Frame Interface
Ahmet Tugrul Akyildiz1, Alicja Kowalska-Koczwara1, Łukasz Hojdys1
1Faculty of Civil Engineering, Cracow University of Technology, 31-155 Cracow, Poland.
Polymers
|June 2, 2021
Summary
Flexible joints in masonry infilled walls, specifically PolyUrethane Flexible Joints (PUFJ), enhance structural stability in reinforced concrete frames. These joints improve both in-plane and out-of-plane performance against seismic loads.
Area of Science:
- Structural Engineering
- Earthquake Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- Masonry infilled reinforced concrete (RC) frames are common building structures.
- Seismic performance of these structures is critical for safety.
- Traditional mortar joints can be brittle and prone to damage during earthquakes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effectiveness of flexible joints in masonry infilled RC frames.
- To evaluate the in-plane and out-of-plane performance of infill walls with flexible joints.
- To compare the seismic response of structures with conventional mortar joints versus PolyUrethane Flexible Joints (PUFJ).
Main Methods:
- Numerical modeling of a real-size, three-dimensional, single-bay, one-story RC frame structure.
- Comparison of three models: bare frame, frame with conventional mortar joints, and frame with PUFJ.
- Analysis of seismic loads to assess in-plane and out-of-plane performances.
- Extraction of dynamic characteristics including acceleration, displacement, and frequency domain mode shapes.
Main Results:
- PolyUrethane Flexible Joints (PUFJ) demonstrated promising outcomes in enhancing structural stability.
- The implementation of PUFJ positively influenced the material-level behavior of the infill walls.
- Dynamic characteristics indicated improved performance with PUFJ compared to conventional mortar joints.
- The study provided insights into the general building dynamic characteristics under seismic loads.
Conclusions:
- PUFJ implementation is a viable strategy for improving the seismic resilience of masonry infilled RC frames.
- Flexible joints contribute to sustaining structural integrity against earthquake-induced damage.
- Further research into flexible joint applications in seismic design is warranted.
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