Damage of masonry infilled RC structures in February 2023 earthquakes sequence in Turkey. Decoupled infill as a solution for better behaviour

Abstract

The predominant form of damage observed during the February 2023 earthquakes in Turkey was the extensive failure of infill walls. This paper offers an insight into the repercussions of these earthquakes on infills, as well as their consequences for both the building inventory and the inhabitants. The unsatisfactory performance and significant destruction resulting from the interaction between flexible frames and rigid infill walls underscored the conceptual inadequacy of traditional infill systems (with mortar connections between frames and infills) in seismically active regions. Consequently, this paper proposes the isolation of infill walls as a viable solution to mitigate such devastating effects. This isolation system aims to offer designers, construction companies, and workers a functional and easily applicable solution. Full-scale experimental tests on isolated infilled RC frame specimens are presented, affirming the efficacy of the isolation system for infills with windows, doors, and full walls.