Influence of Masonry Infill on the Dynamic Characteristics of RC Frames on Slope, Part (II): Seismic Performance
Slope structure means a structure built on a slope in the mountainous region. The aim of this study is to study the influence of masonry infill on the seismic characteristics of RC frames on slope. First, the main results of the calibration analyses using the infill model introduced in the Part (I) of the paper are presented. Second, the performance of different reinforced concrete two bay-frames, bare and infilled, subjected to eight seismic motions were investigated. The results show that if the infill is built correctly in all storeys, it gives a significant contribution to the energy dissipation capacity by reducing the dissipation energy demands in frame elements and decreasing significantly the maximum displacements. Therefore the contribution of masonry is of great importance.
I address the construction of hurdle rates for 66 countries that adequately compensate investors for the real estate specific market risks involved when investing, operating and exiting a foreign market. To estimate the market-based framework, I run random effect panel regressions for a period of six years from 2004-2009 of IPD direct property market returns and an integral and newly developed composite index that takes into account all real estate market and investment specific conditions. The regression results provide direct evidence that an increased perception of risk and instability in the countries' socio-economic conditions and institutional frameworks significantly imply higher investors' return expectations. Finally, the results provide international investors with an absolute hurdle rate that prices risks and opportunities of national real estate markets and guides investors in selecting a core, value-add, or opportunistic investment strategy.