ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to study the effect of Semi Interlocking Masonry (SIM) infill panels on the yield displacement, the displacement ductility, and damage mechanisms of a multi-storey steel frame structure through finite element numerical simulation of non-linear static response. SIM panels are built with drystacked masonry units capable of relative sliding in-plane of a panel but locked against relative out-ofplane movement. Panels are designed to dissipate earthquake energy through sliding friction between bricks during seismic vibration. SIM's in-plane stiffness is lower compared with traditional masonry infill panels. The design of masonry with improved earthquake resistance presents a challenge for structural engineers. The masonry strut hysteresis model is used for the diagonal struts and the special bilinear hysteresis model is used for the shear strut element. The steel frame infilled with SIM has significantly lower structural stiffness comparing to the frame with traditional Unreinforced Masonry panels.
