ABSTRACT
This chapter describes experimental evaluate, by means of quasi-static cyclic procedures, the combined in-plane and out-of-plane performances of the proposed system. The system is made of a single-leaf clay masonry wall, with several horizontal deformable joints within the clay unit rows, to be employed in Reinforced Concrete (RC) frame buildings in regions prone to medium/high intensity earthquakes. The experimental program consisted of 4 combined in-plane/ out-of-plane tests on specimens composed by fullscale one-bay, one-storey infilled R. C. frames. Seismic events occurred in Italy and in Turkey highlighted the importance of a proper design of partitions and enclosure walls in order to avoid substantial economic losses and potential sources of danger for human lives mostly due to out-of-plane collapse of masonry portions. The accumulated damage can result in the partial or complete collapse of the enclosure due to out-of-plane loads. The out-of-plane test is performed by means of a manually controlled hydraulic jack positioned at the infill centre.
