Published Paper Details:

Unreinforced masonry (URM) infills are seldom included in numerical analysis of reinforced concrete structural systems, and are generally considered as non-structural components. On the contrary, masonry infills can increase the strength, stiffness, and energy dissipation of concrete structures; whilst drastically helping in reducing the deformations and hence ductility demands for the structural members. But owing to the complexity they introduce to analysis, they are generally kept unaccounted for. This paper however, reviews the effects of (URM) infills on 2D frames using performance-based design (PBD) approach, by developing a performance factor (P) for different performance levels. Regular 2D-infilled frames of different heights and infill percentages are assessed using this approach through a non-linear static pushover analysis. Conventional building seismic codes are based on a linear force-based design (FBD) approach to ensure satisfactory performance of structures during earthquakes. Seismic forces are reduced by a response modification factor (R), which is related to the structure�s ability to undergo inelastic deformations and to dissipate the earthquake input energy through hysteretic behavior. Herein, (FBD) approach is strength based rather than a displacement based design. While however, performance criterion in the performance-based design (PBD) approach is usually displacement based providing a better view on the performance of the structure and predicting the expected non-linear response during seismic events. A new factor namely the performance factor (P) is presented in this paper, by carrying out a correlation between force-based and performance-based design methods, to be used in designing RC structures whilst fulfilling different performance levels intended by the owner.