Study on performance of infilled wall in RC framed structure using basalt fibre in cement mortar

Abstract

Normally, Reinforced Concrete (RC) framed structure is built by combination of structural and non-structural elements that may satisfy the design and architectural purpose. When RC framed structures are subjected to the static lateral loading, infilled wall and RC frame elements does not react together. At this time, infilled wall is subjected only compressive forces and does not support the tensile force. So, failure is happened due to lacking of ductility and poor interaction between frame elements and infilled wall. Therefore, the objective of this study is to improve the ductility and interaction between RC frame elements and infilled wall through suitable method of strengthening of infilled wall. In this research work, the two types of specimens such as infilled RC framed structure and infilled RC framed structure strengthened by reinforced cement mortar using basalt fibre were cast and tested under experimental and analytical investigation. One-fifth scale model of single-bay, two-storey plane RC framed structure were prepared and tested under cyclic loading with the help of 1000 kN capacity loading frame and foundation block. This study focuses the significant parameters such as load-deflection curve, ductility, energy dissipation capacity, initial stiffness and failure mechanism of infilled RC frame and infilled RC frame with basalt fibre in cement mortar. The result proves that basalt fibre reinforced cement mortar improves the strength, stiffness and ductility of infilled RC framed structure and make infilled wall as integral unit in RC framed structure.