Finite element analysis of a constructional column on the out-of-plane performance of the damaged steel frame-infilled wall

To solve the construction complexities of the cast-in-situ constructional column, a fabricated constructional column technology was proposed. Finite element models of a steel frame-infilled wall without a constructional column, with a cast-in-situ constructional column, and with a fabricated constructional column were developed, based on the in-plane quasi-static tests of three full-scale specimens from a previous study. The results indicated that the constructional column mitigated the extent of out-of-plane damage to the frame-infilled wall. In comparison to the frame-infilled wall without a constructional column, the out-of-plane bearing capacity was enhanced by 171.49% and 99.09% for the frame with a cast-in-situ and a fabricated constructional column, respectively. The constructional column altered the out-of-plane failure mode of the infill wall and restricted out-of-plane deformation in the central region of the walls. Under in-plane damage, the frame-infilled wall with a fabricated constructional column exhibited less out-of-plane damage than its cast-in-situ counterpart.