Experimental and analytical assessment on RC interior beam-column subassemblages for progressive collapse

Abstract

Experimental and analytical studies carried out on a reinforced concrete (RC) moment resisting frame after it is subjected to a loss of its ground storey exterior column is presented within this paper. Four full-scale interior beam-column subassemblages, detailed with varying degrees of non-seismic detailing and improved detailing reinforcements, were subjected to a monotonic loading regime to simulate the effects of re-distributed gravity loads on the subassemblage after the loss of an exterior ground column. The variables in the test specimens include the beam longitudinal reinforcement ratios and the spacing of the transverse reinforcement within the beams, columns and joints. Load-displacement relationships, crack development patterns and failure mechanism obtained from the tests are also discussed. The finite element models are validated by comparing the results with the experimentally obtained data. Parametric studies are then performed to study the influences of various beam transverse reinforcement ratio, and incorporation of an additional exterior beam-column element and slab on the global behavior of the subassemblages.