Numerical studies on the progressive collapse resistance of multi-story RC buildings with and without exterior masonry walls

Abstract

This paper investigates the influence of perforated masonry walls on the progressive collapse resistance of multi-story reinforced concrete (RC) structures. In this study, bare and infill-wall RC frames are studied by considering column failure at corner and exterior locations. Infill-wall panels are simulated by using equivalent compression struts and their provision of alternate load paths under the removal of a critical load-bearing element is examined. Linear static, nonlinear static, and nonlinear dynamic analyses are conducted by following the General Service Administration (GSA) guidelines. The analysis results show that the infill walls are beneficial in the redistribution of loads after the failure of the column and the collapse resistance of the RC building is increased. Empirical dynamic amplification factors (DAF) are also calculated in the sequel and the factor instructed in the GSA guidelines is judged by comparing with these computed dynamic factors. The results show that the DAF of 2, recommended by the GSA guidelines, is conservative and the presence of infill walls does not significantly affect the value of DAF.