The application of calcium silicate elements in infilled stability frames (ECB.6211)

This research aims at providing a scientific basis for development of design guidelines for steel frames infilled with calcium silicate element walls, thus, providing lateral stability to building frameworks. Evaluating the stiffness and strength of the infill walls leads to reduced risks of damage to the infills, bounding frames and the finishes.
An experimental research program has been conducted and a finite element model has been assembled to simulate the test results and to carry out parametric studies. Simplified equations have been proposed and evaluated in the light of numerical results. It has been concluded that composite infilled frame action is optimum in infilled frames with aspect ratios less than or nearly equal to unity. The stiffness of an infilled frame may be approximated by a standard analysis of a frame braced with an equivalent diagonal strut. The effective width of this strut is estimated as one-eighth of its length and the cracking and shear resistance may be predicted on the basis of average stresses over horizontal or diagonal sections in the infill.
The importance of the research topic is underscored by worldwide efforts to improve design codes, generally, and in seismic engineering applications in particular.