ABSTRACT

This paper presents a numerical investigation on structural behaviour of two specimens: one without transverse beam and another with transverse beam, under interior column removal scenario subjected to progressive collapse. Finite element models are developed for these two cases and initial stiffness, first peak load, ultimate load capacity and transverse beam effects are analyzed for both. Developed finite element models are validated by comparing the results with lab tests in literature. Results show that the transverse beam increases the first peak load by 72.2%. Furthermore, parametric studies were carried out to examine the effects of beam longitudinal reinforcement ratio, beam section depth and concrete compressive strength. Results under parametric studies show that increase in beam longitudinal reinforcement ratio increases initial stiffness, flexural and ultimate capacity and while increase in beam section depth and concrete compression strength increases the capacity only during the beam flexural stage.