ABSTRACT
The creep behavior of the profiled lead layers and the overall behavior of the infilled frames could be accurately predicted by nonlinear FEM analysis using ANSYS codes using experimental creep data on the lead alloy. Finite element analyses were used to predict the expected behavior of the infilled frames constructed using a higher grade of mortar. The analysis showed that the load generated by the shortening of the columns would have more than doubled in the infill without a lead layer, whereas the load generated in the infill with a lead layer would have changed very little (Fig. 27) [379]. This indicates that if infilled frames are constructed with high strength infills, as would normally be expected, a profiled layer of Pb-CuTe alloy would be very effective in reducing the load transferred onto the infill as a result of creep in the columns.
