Tests on infilling panels for reinforced concrete frames

This paper deals with experimental characterization of infill panels. These elements play a relevant role in structural response and should be considered as structural components also in case of slender elements with low mechanical characteristics (as in current practice). Thus they have to be theoretically defined. Two different kinds of clay brick panels (120 mm thick semi-solid bricks with vertical holes and 80 mm thick hollow bricks with horizontal holes) have been tested. High strength mortar is considered. Infill panels were tested both in the two orthogonal (in plane) principal directions and in the diagonal direction. Bricks were tested in compression while mortar was tested both in compression and bending, elastic moduli were evaluated too. Test results are shown and compared with Code provisions; effectiveness of bearing walls constitutive relationships for such non-structural panels is discussed.