A Novel Masonry Infill System with Deformable Joints: Behavioural Principles, Basic Characterisation, and Design Considerations

Nicolò Verlato (a) https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8347-0387
Giovanni Guidi (b) https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2202-644X
Marco Donà (a), (c), (d) https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8636-3125
Francesca da Porto (a) https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9346-9902

a Department of Geosciences, University of Padova, Via Gradenigo 6, 35131, Padova, Italy
b Facility and Energy Management Office, University of Padova, Via 8 Febbraio 2, 35122, Padova, Italy
c Department of Cultural Heritage, University of Padova, Piazza Capitaniato 7, 35139 Padova, Italy
d Department of Information Engineering, University of Padova, Via Gradenigo 6/b, 35131 Padova, Italy

ABSTRACT

Recent research efforts have led to the development of innovative masonry infill systems aimed at overcoming the critical limitations of traditional solutions in seismic areas. Within this context, the European Project INSYSME, funded by the European Commission under the 7th Framework Programme and coordinated by the University of Padova, has significantly contributed to the advancement of such technologies. Among the developed solutions, an innovative ductile interacting infill system, named DRES (Damage Reduction Enclosure System), has been proposed by the University of Padova in collaboration with ANDIL (Italian Association of Clay Bricks and Roofing Tiles Producers). The DRES system consists of a single-leaf clay masonry panel subdivided into horizontal strips through the introduction of deformable joints, aimed at increasing deformability and reducing damage induced by frame deformations during seismic events. Additional deformable joints are provided at the panel–column interfaces to mitigate stress concentrations in both the masonry panel and the surrounding reinforced concrete elements. This paper presents the main features of the DRES system, including its behavioural principles under lateral loading, construction details, and key components. The experimental tests for the mechanical characterisation of materials and of masonry sub-assemblages, aimed at defining the basic properties of the system, are described. Finally, relevant aspects for the structural design of the system are discussed, providing practical guidance for its implementation.

Keywords: clay masonry infills; innovative infill solutions; INSYSME project; ductile interacting infills; deformable joints; experimental characterisation tests.