Full Length Research Paper

Optimization of the configuration of infill walls

in order to increase seismic resistance of

building structures

D. Güney* and A. O. Kuruşçu

Yildiz Technical University, Faculty of Architecture, Structural System Division, Istanbul, Turkey.

*Corresponding author. Email: dguney@gmail.com.

Accepted 18 February, 2011

Abstract

The behavior of empty frames and infilled frames is very different. The infill walls are considered as non-structural elements and are ignored in the analysis; these elements tend to interact with the frame in case of lateral load effect. The aim of this paper is to indicate the contribution of infill walls in the earthquake resistant building design. Three different type of configuration of infill walls are applied in the numerical models. Consequently, according to the number and position of infill walls in the numerical analysis the behavior of the structure subjected to the lateral loads is changed.

Key words: Infill walls, seismic, response, optimization, structure, design.