Robustness Assessment of Reinforced Concrete Frames under Progressive Collapse Hazards: Novel Risk-Based Framework
Publication: Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 147, Issue 8
Abstract
Robustness assessment is an important component for performance-based progressive collapse design. However, existing methods either do not consider the cascading failure feature of progress collapse, or fail to recognize the randomness in material, geometrical and loading parameters. This paper presents a novel robustness assessment methodology for progressive collapse design of reinforced concrete frames. The proposed methodology includes several novelties: First, it uses a new risk-based robustness index recently developed by the authors. The index quantifies the whole spectrum of risk caused by initiating hazardous events. Second, it includes a unique directional simulation technique, making probabilistic nonlinear pushdown analysis a computationally affordable task. Finally, the assessment can assist in determining if an enhancement design is warranted for such a low-probability-high-consequence event. The study examined four different frame designs to evaluate the effectiveness of seismic and progressive collapse design provisions. The Alternate Path Method (APM) was shown to improve structural robustness significantly, although achieved with considerable additional cost. Ductility designed for seismic loading was also shown to be beneficial for structural robustness against progressive collapse.
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Data Availability Statement
Some or all of the data, models, or code that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Acknowledgments
The first author wants to thank CNPq Brazil for its financial support. The study was also partially supported by Natural Science and Engineering Research Council, Canada, under the Discovery Grant program. Special thanks are due to one of the anonymous reviewers who pointed out the approximate K value of the Alfred Murrah Building.
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Published In
Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 147 • Issue 8 • August 2021
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© 2021 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Nov 2, 2020
Accepted: Mar 22, 2021
Published online: Jun 15, 2021
Published in print: Aug 1, 2021
Discussion open until: Nov 15, 2021
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