Rational Framework for Probability of Collapse in Buildings

Abstract

Natural hazards, conflicts and faults can result in an extreme loading condition causing loss in lives and infrastructures. The reinforced concrete frame structures are considered in this work. The area of collapse control received significant attention; however numerical models of reinforced concrete (RC) demand advancement to capture failure patterns and response beyond normal design limits. To benchmark safety level, robustness indicators are required however calculation of indicators demands efficient modeling. Although models are being proposed, not many focus on quantifying the risk as an essential element of safety assessment of structures In this paper, rational framework for the level of safety assessment and probability of disproportionate collapse of reinforced concrete frame buildings is proposed. On the subject, the US department of Defense (DoD) [1] accepted alternative path (AP) method as a mean for the structural analysis. The proposed framework addresses the variance in risk level result from the change of the position of the damaged bearing element and the possible models of collapse progression. It also names the key affecting parameters and proposes means for quantifying risk/safety level for the defined failure mechanism. The proposed framework can be used in codified standard through appropriate factors of safety. It can be used in comparing various mitigations.