The principal objective of this U.S.-Yugoslav cooperative research project in earthquake engineering between Roko Zarnic of the Boal Institute for Structures and Earthquake Engineering in Ljubljana and Daniel P. Abrams, Mete Sozen of the University of Illinois is to study the behavior of structures composed of repaired and/or strengthened reinforced concrete frames with masonry infills. Many existing buildings in the United States have masonry infilled walls. Understanding the behavior of such frames when under stress and heavy loading is of particular importance to the development of earthquake resistant masonry structures and reinforced concrete structural systems. Through complementary abilities and facilities, the U.S. and Yugoslav investigators expect to develop a simple analytical method for determining possible earthquake damage and for analyzing structural behavior. This project was approved by the U.S.-Yugoslav Joint Board on Cooperation in Science and Technology and is supported through a joint fund consisting of matching contributions from the U.S. and Yugoslav governments. The U.S. contribution is provided annually by the Department of State. No NSF funds are involved. The grants are composed principally of Yugolsav dinars and made to the principal Yugoslav institute. Funds include travel for U.S. scientists to Yugoslavia and a modest dollar allowance for Yugoslav scientists' living expenses in the U.S.
