Seismic performance of infilled RC frames with steel corrugated shear walls

This paper presents experimental and analytical investigations of infilled reinforced concrete (RC) frames with steel corrugated shear walls. In the experimental study, two 1/3-scale, one-bay, two-storey specimens were constructed and tested under cyclic load reversals. One specimen was bare, for comparison. Properties affecting seismic performance, such as strength and stiffness of the two specimens, were investigated. However, owing to the inherent complexity of the infilled RC frame and the unique features of the steel corrugated shear walls, the experimental investigation was not sufficient to fully explain the influence of several parameters. Therefore, an analytical investigation based on finite-element models using ANSYS was conducted. Validation of the finite-element models against the experimental results showed good agreement. Critical parameters influencing the behaviour of steel corrugated shear walls, such as thickness and orientation of corrugated sheets, were varied, and the effects on seismic behaviour discussed.