Innovative systems for masonry infill walls based on the use of rubber joints: Finite element modelling and comparison with in-plane tests

ABSTRACT: Within the INSYSME Project, funded in the 7th Framework Program by the Commis- sion of the European Communities and aimed at developing innovative systems for masonry enclosures walls, the University of Padova and ANDIL (Italian Association of Clay Bricks and Roofing Tiles Pro- ducers) proposed a construction system named DRES (Damage Reduction Enclosure System). The sys- tem is made of a single-leaf clay masonry wall, with three horizontal rubber joints within the clay unit rows, to be employed for low to medium height reinforced concrete frames in regions prone to medium/ high intensity earthquakes. A finite element model was calibrated to reproduce the behaviour of this system. The model can reproduce the in-plane behaviour of tested specimens modelling real boundary conditions of tests set-up, and adopting interface elements to represent the special rubber joints. A model of a reference specimen without any rubber joint was also calibrated. The models were used to gather information on stress and strain distributions within the masonry infills, on the interaction between infill wall and RC frame, and to carry out parametric analyses. The first results of the Finite Element Models are here discussed.