Parameter study on infilled steel frames with discretely connected precast concrete panels

This paper presents a parameter study on infilled steel frames with discretely connected precast concrete infill panels having window openings. In this study, finite element simulations were carried out to study the infilled frame performance by varying several parameters. A recently developed finite element model was used, which had been validated with results from full-scale tests. The parameters investigated in the parameter study include those that are considered to be the most influential for the structure. These parameters are the frame member dimensions, the rotational stiffness of the steel frame joints, the infilled frame aspect ratio and the panel opening geometry including reinforcement layout. The results of the parameter study show that the structure exhibits a quite complex composite behaviour. The stiffness and strength of the structure were found to vary with the relative stiffness of the infill to the frame, while the location of connection failure was found to depend on the aspect ratio. The results of the parameter study serve as a base for the development of design guidelines for infilled steel frames with discretely connected precast concrete panels having window openings.