Despite not being taken into account in structural modeling, the complex behavior of masonry affects the seismic performance of structures. The main aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of infilled frames with different percentages of openings on reinforced concrete (RC) moment frames. Initially, an experimental model was constructed and subjected to loading. Afterwards, corresponding numerical analyses were carried out based on the experimental model. A simplified micromodeling method with respect to the numerical simulation of the experimental model was assigned. Subsequently, sensitivity analyses were performed to investigate the effects of the opening ratio on the behavior of intermediate RC moment frames. The analytical results indicate that increasing the percentage of the opening leads to a significant reduction in the lateral strength of the frame. The lateral strength of the masonry wall was negligible in masonry infills with openings greater than 40 %. While prognosticating the behavior of buildings with masonry walls is complicated, determining the behavior of infilled frames with different percentages of openings will make it much easier to predict the damage pattern.

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In this study, an alternate method of evaluating structural systems, especially for the sensitive structures with historical importance by applying Fourier Transform (FT) to the damage ratio of time history outcome in the frequency domain has been introduced. The concept of damage content (DC) regarding the mechanical characteristics of the used material, including plastic strain, failure plane, and ultimate load-bearing capacity, along with drift value, record selection criteria, and architectural aspects, have been employed. Due to its valuable aesthetic and architectural view, Timche Haj-Mohammad-Qoli of Tabriz Historic Bazaar, one of the traditional covered spaces with the complicated configuration of spatial masonry intersecting arches, was selected for the assessment in the current study. The required experimental samples for obtaining the mechanical properties and relevant geometrical measurements to prepare the numerical model of the structure obtained. The strong ground motions according to seismological and geological characteristics of the construction site selected. The records with different durations were merged by Fourier Transform (FT) and Damage Content (DC) analysis. According to the outcomes, the damage state of the structure due to the imposed strong motion at every stage of the lateral loading from the failure initiation to the final collapse was observable. As a direct outcome of this study, the vulnerability concerning the near-field earthquakes is more tangible than far-field earthquakes. The provided methodology could have proper use in future similar studies for evaluating the performance of the structures.

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