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In engineering practice, a competent and effective numerical tool for the comprehensive and accurate analysis of infilled frame structures subjected to different complex load patterns has not been developed. Here, a discrete method of analysis with the damage-based cohesive crack modelling technique is proposed for numerical simulations of masonry-infilled reinforced concrete frame failure. The proposed approach employs the surface-based interaction modelling technique to simulate the interfacial traction-separation behaviour, including mixed modes of fracture, crack propagation, post-fracture behaviour, and finite sliding and separation of the bonded surfaces, between contacting surfaces of masonry units. Applicability of the modelling approach for both masonry and infilled frame structures subjected to different load patterns is checked by performing computer simulations with the proposed model; the model is verified by comparing the results of experimental data. To demonstrate the wide variety of applications of the verified cohesive crack modelling technique, case studies on the non-linear behaviour of infilled frame structures under combined in-plane and out-of-plane loads and subjected to seismic excitation are conducted.

The structural responses of in¯lled frames subjected to combined in-plane and out-of-plane loadings are usually analyzed by separately applying in-plane and out-of-plane loads. The interaction e®ect of in-plane and out-of-plane loads on the structural behavior of the frames is ignored; thus errors in predicting the actual force-transfer mechanisms and modes of failure of the structures can be incurred. To solve the problem, this paper presents a discrete¯nite element modeling technique, which employs a damage-based cohesive crack representation of fracture behavior of masonry in¯lls, followed by a study on the force-transfer mechanisms and failure modes of the anchored and unanchored in¯lled reinforced concrete (RC) frames subjected to interactive in-plane and out-of-plane loads. The analysis indicates that under out-ofplane loading the diagonal compressive thrust of masonry-in¯ll walls, which is induced by in-plane lateral loading and acts on the walls, may reduce the in-plane load capacity of the RC frame by up to 50% and cause buckling of in¯ll walls. On the other hand, the anchorage can e®ectively prevent the separation of in¯ll walls from the bounding frame and provide stabilizing forces to the walls against buckling.

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