Numerical Simulation as Alternative to Progressive Collapse Destructive Tests

Performing destructive tests to investigate the structure resistance to progressive collapse due to a column elimination is a very demanding and time consuming work. Therefore, verifying numerical modeling of progressive collapse of structures with available test data has been a desirable approach to develop an accurate numerical model, in lieu of demanding and costly destructive tests, that can be utilized to accurately predict the structure progressive collapse resistance. In this study, a simple fiber element-based numerical model is proposed to simulate and predict the progressive collapse resistance of such structures. The model was verified with test results for accuracy in order to be utilized in lieu of destructive tests. Reinforced concrete (RC) frame sub-assemblages with different column size, beam dimensions, and reinforcement ratios were numerically analyzed using the verified proposed model. The study demonstrates that developing a simple numerical model to investigate the progressive collapse of RC structures can be used as an alternative to destructive tests and difficult, demanding nonlinear finite element computations. The numerical results show that changing the RC frame sub-assemblage column size and beam dimensions has substantial effects as it completely changes the progressive collapse resistance and behavior of such frames. On contrast, reinforcement ratios had no effect of the structure behavior.