Experimental study on seismic behaviors of composite filling wall-frame structures with flexible connection

In order to explore the effect of the composite filling wall on the frame under earthquake, quasi-static tests on three composite filling wall frames with flexible connection and one pure RC frame under cyclic loading were conducted. A comparative study of the load process, crack development, failure mode was carried out. The differences between composite filling wall frames and fare frame in load carrying capacity, hysteretic behavior, ductility, stiffness and so on were focused on. To reduce the impact of the wallboard's stiffness on the framework, a type of flexible connection between wall and frame was designed. The study shows that the hysteretic curves of composite filling wall frames were similar with pure RC frame, which indicate that the frame with the new type of composite wall has good seismic behavior. The ductility of the frame with the new type of composite wall with a side opening is the same as that of the bare frame. The connection between frame and wall has a reasonable design, with which the rigidity degradation of the frames with the new type of composite wall is the same as that of the bare frame. The connection also can effectively reduce the adverse effects of the wallboard, weaken the restraints between the wall and the column, and prevent the short column from damage. The connection can improve the walls' reliability and seismic resistance well.