Evaluation of Collapse Distribution in Three-Story RC Moment-Resisting Asymmetric Buildings due to Earthquake Loads

Abstract

Among important issues in progressive collapse behavior of a building is tracking down the type and location of the damaged elements. This paper deals with the distribution of 3D collapse from the first element to the entire symmetric and asymmetric RC buildings due to earthquake loads. The variables of such analyses are earthquake load intensity and the value of one directional mass eccentricity. Results show that the collapse propagation is dependent on the degree of asymmetry in building. Some patterns are also determined to predict the progressive collapse scenarios in similar symmetric and asymmetric buildings. Patterns show that the propagation of collapse is horizontal through the stories, but not vertical through the height of the buildings. Spread of the collapse is independent of the earthquake records and damage concentration is larger in places with larger mass concentration.