In-Plane Behavior of Timber Frames with Masonry Infills under Static Cyclic Loading

The good in-plane behavior of timber frames with masonry infills, characterized by an excellent ductility capacity, is presented and explained as observed during static cyclic experimental tests on wall panels. The aim of the study was to characterize the seismic behavior of the timber frames with rectangular masonry infill panels (without timber diagonals). Tests of materials and subassemblies were performed to identify the parameters influencing the performance of the system. Thus, the contribution of each component (masonry, timber) in the lateral force-resisting mechanism, the local interaction between masonry and timber elements, and final failure pattern are highlighted in this paper. A numerical model of the wall panel with masonry infill is described, as it was developed with FINAL v11 software, and it reasonably matches with experimental results. (C) 2015 American Society of Civil Engineers.