A novel macromodel for prediction of shear failure in columns of masonry infilled RC frames under earthquake loading

Columns of masonry infilled reinforced concrete frames are prone to shear failure due to the detrimental effect of infill under lateral earthquake loads. This effect is catastrophic in ground storey columns, where the shear force demand is very high. The primary objective of the study is to understand the applicability of the codal recommendations to estimate the shear demand on the columns realistically, and propose an alternative solution for prediction of shear failure of columns by improving the existing macro-modelling techniques. Half-scaled specimens of masonry infilled RC frames tested in an experimental study were considered to evaluate the proposed improvements. Applicability of the improved macromodel was also verified with the results obtained in other past experimental studies. The proposed simplified analytical modelling technique can be used for practical engineering purposes to assess the shear failure of columns and can be utilized for designing or strengthening the shear deficient columns in such frames.