Numerical modelling of reinforced concrete frames with masonry infills and rubber joints

Masonry infill walls are critical components of reinforced concrete (RC) frames, which may be damaged even under earthquake events moderate intensity, thus resulting in significant losses. Recent experimental and numerical studies have investigated innovative solutions for protecting these by reducing their interaction with the RC frame. Among these, specially shaped rubber joints were developed that can inserted between brick units, masonry wall In present study, a novel computational modelling strategy is using ABAQUS to investigate in-plane behaviour frames joints. The proposed approach employs three-dimensional solid finite elements simulate components, 3D beam reinforcing bars, mesoscale joint. validated against two past whose results found literature, one on traditional walls, other shed light effectiveness minimising seismic damage bricks, localizing deformation mostly joints, overall stiffness infilled system. Further analyses carried out effect joints’ layout capacity system its components.