Progressive Collapse Resistance of Hotel San Diego
Publication: Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 134, Issue 3
Abstract
Progressive collapse resistance of an actual six-story reinforced concrete frame structure is evaluated following predefined initial damage. The initial damage was caused by the simultaneous explosion (removal) of two adjacent exterior columns, one of which was a corner column. The mechanism of load redistribution and change in column axial forces (strains) are discussed. In the structure studied, the development of bidirectional Vierendeel (frame) action is identified as a major mechanism in redistribution of loads. Through careful instrumentation, the change in the direction of beam bending moments in the vicinity of the removed columns is demonstrated. In general, if such a change in the bending moment direction results in high tensile stress in bottom beam reinforcement at the face of a column, brittle local failure in the absence of proper anchorage can occur. This failure did not take place in this building. The nearly century old structure, without satisfying integrity requirements, resisted progressive collapse with a recorded maximum vertical displacement of only .
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Acknowledgments
The writers would like to thank Catherine K. Lee, Bela I. Palfalvi, and Mario Ramirez (General Services Administration) for funding of the study presented in this paper through GSA Contract No. UNSPECIFIEDGS09P06KTM0019. The help provided by Marlon Bazan during the experimental program and preparation of some of the figures is acknowledged. The writers greatly appreciate the support provided by Mark Loizeaux (Controlled Demolition Inc.); without his help this study could not have been completed. The help provided by the contractors Clauss Construction (Patrick M. Clauss, Malcolm Lee, and William Musbach) and Jacobs (Bill Zondorak) is also appreciated.
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© 2008 ASCE.
History
Received: Apr 27, 2007
Accepted: Jul 25, 2007
Published online: Mar 1, 2008
Published in print: Mar 2008
Notes
Note. Associate Editor: M. Asghar Bhatti
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