Multi Hazard Approach to Progressive Collapse Mitigation

In light of current world developments, engineers are increasingly being required to consider progressive collapse mitigation as a basic design criterion. Progressive collapse requirements, however, must typically be incorporated into a structure without substantial increases in the cost of the structural system. One method of achieving this goal efficiently is to utilize a multi hazard approach to structural system selection. This paper illustrates how progressive collapse criteria can be economically incorporated into typical structural systems. Although three very different examples are presented, the overall design approach is basically the same. Structural Steel Office Building — The use of some types of moment frames to resist lateral wind and seismic loads can also provide the additional ductility and redundancy required for progressive collapse resistance. Reinforced Concrete Office Building — Analysis of an example existing building indicated that seismically designed reinforced concrete moment frames have an inherent capability of providing progressive collapse resistance. Reinforced Concrete Apartment Building — One cost effective construction method for apartment building construction is the tunnel-form concept. Analysis methods indicate that with minor modifications these structures can be designed to withstand the loss of a supporting wall without experiencing progressive collapse.