ABSTRACT
An experimental investigation of the behavior of confined masonry walls used as infill walls was conducted. The main variables used were the size of the frame columns, the use of the confining elements and the use of horizontal reinforcement. Confined masonry infill walls allow the use of horizontal reinforcement as it can be properly anchored in the tie-columns. Concrete frames Infilled with masonry walls are designed considering the frame as the main resistant element. It is usually considered the contribution of the wall as a resistance reserve. Confined masonry, is an alternative that considerably increase the displacement capacity of the walls. In addition, tie-columns also provide a considerable increase in the out of plane stability of the walls. In all specimens, combination of sliding of the infill wall and diagonal tension in the connection of beam-column of the frame was the dominant failure mode of the system.
