Classification of SIM infill panels / Klassifikation von SIM-Ausfachungswänden

SIM is an innovative building system for mortar-less walls. It utilises a special method of interlocking SIM bricks that allows relative sliding of brick courses in-plane of a wall and prevents out-of-plane relative movement of bricks. One of its structural applications is in multistorey frame buildings as earthquake resistant masonry infill panels. It improves energy dissipation of frame structures during earthquakes. The energy dissipation occurs through friction between bricks as they engage in relative sliding by the frame vibrating during earthquake. This paper explains the novelty of SIM and offers classification of SIM panels based on the gap width between the frame and the top of the panel.