Introduction

The technological solution for the infill and partition walls aims at protect them from the damage and from the interaction with the surrounding structure, during earthquakes. The solution makes the masonry wall deformable in its own plane thanks to the introduction of sliding joints and can be applied both in newly constructed or existing structures.

Technical features

The proposed solution aims at ensuring a good seismic behavior to infill and partition walls towards both in-plane and out-of-plane actions. The scope is reached by subdividing the masonry into several sub-portions by means of the introduction of sliding joints capable of reducing the in-plane stiffness and of enhancing a ductile behavior that supports the structural frame deformations during earthquake. Moreover, the particular detailing for the connection to the adjacent structural elements (beams, columns, floors) ensures to couple the good in-plane performance with an efficient out-of-plane resistance. In detail, horizontal sliding joints are preferable for newly constructed walls, while vertical joints can be adopted in both new constructions or existing ones.

Possible Applications

• Construction of new reinforced concrete or framed buildings;
• Seismic rehabilitation of existing reinforced concrete buildings;
• Precast industry.

Advantages

• Minimization of the post-earthquake damage;
• Resistance to out-of-plane actions;
• Viability in existing buildings;
• Effective in presence of an opening;
• Predictable seismic response, contrary to traditional infills;
• Reduction of the infill-frame interaction.