Innovative systems for earthquake-resistant masonry infill walls: Characterization of materials and masonry assemblages

Masonry infill walls are the standard solution to build envelopes and partitions in reinforced concrete buildings southern Europe. In Portugal, masonry appeared sixties, with massive use of frames for residential commercial buildings. Since then until our days infills (cavity walls) have not experienced significant changes, apart from some variations thickness introduction thermal isolation between layers. The construction system remains based on cavity without any connection layers constructed horizontal perforated bricks poor mortars. Their vulnerability under seismic actions is recognized by scientific community proven whenever an earthquake occurs. Nevertheless, they continue be used, because now there was much innovation development attractive solutions implemented new constructions, particularly no clear design detailing guidelines that can contribute higher quality reduced vulnerability. This paper aims advance brick presenting two proposals systems enclosed RC frames. An extensive experimental campaign presented results discussed mechanical properties materials assemblages associated innovative wall systems. data provided this important understand further in-plane out-of-plane tests carried out as well numerical simulations analytical analysis