The behaviour of multi-storey infilled frames is examined for the case of lateral loading. A design method based on an equivalent strut concept is developed to predict the lateral stiffness of the composite frame. It is shown that for the typical case of a non-linear infill material the equivalent strut width is not a constant value but varies with the applied loading and the relative properties of the frame and infill. The lateral strength of an infilled frame is next examined and design graphs are given to enable the cracking and crushing strength of concrete and brickwork infill panels, and also the ultimate shearing strength of brickwork infill panels, to be determined. Finally an example is given showing how the method is applied to full-scale structures and the results compared with those obtained from full-scale tests on a three-storey building. Notation A cross-sectional area d diagonal length of infill E,, E Youne's modulus of infill and frame resoectivelv

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