Analytical model for predicting membrane actions in RC beam-slab structures subjected to penultimate-internal column loss scenarios

Abstract

The potential for progressive collapse of RC buildings can be estimated by column loss scenarios. The loss of either internal or external penultimate columns is among the most critical scenarios since the beam-slab substructures associated with the removed column becomes laterally unrestrained with two discontinuous edges. At large deformations, membrane behaviour of the associated slabs, consisting of a compressive ring of concrete around its perimeter and tensile membrane action in the central region, represents an important line of defence against progressive collapse. The reserve capacity can be used to sustain amplified gravity loads and to mitigate the progressive collapse of building structures. In this paper, based on experimental observation of 1/4 scaled tests together with investigation of previous research works, an analytical model is proposed to predict the load-carrying capacity of beam-slab structures at large deformations. Comparison with the test results shows that the analytical model gives a good estimation of the overall load-carrying capacity of the RC slabs by membrane actions.
 Article history: Received 15 March 2018, Revised 28 March 2018, Accepted 27 April 2018