ABSTRACT
In a reinforced concrete (RC) frame structure, beam-slab floor system can significantly increase the resistance of progressive collapse under damage of a critical load bearing element. In this research, an eight-story RC building is investigated by using nonlinear dynamic analysis in order to study the contribution of slabs in progressive collapse and to evaluate the robustness of the RC structure under column damage at different locations. Two reinforced concrete frame models, one of which is simulated with slabs while the other without slabs, are analyzed. As per GSA regulation, the potential of progressive collapse is assessed by considering damaged column at three different locations, namely, corner, exterior and interior. Analysis results show that slabs help in transferring the load and enhance the structural resistance after losing the column. In the model without slabs, hinge formation is more severe and the displacement response is considerably increased in comparison with beam-slab system.
