Progressive Collapse Analysis

The interest of Structural engineers is increasing to prevent the progressive collapse of the building. After the collapse of World Trade Center (WTC) Tower many government and private authorities worked on developing design guidelines for progressive collapse resistant structures. Among all the guidelines the U.S. General Service Administration (GSA) and Department of Defense (DoD) is most widely used by structural engineers. Historical background, mechanism, causes and types of progressive collapse is discussed in this book. This book also represents progressive collapse analysis of 4-storey and 10-storey Asymmetrical reinforced concrete (RC) building considering GSA and DoD guidelines. Linear static and dynamic as well as nonlinear static and dynamic analysis is carried out using Alternate Path Method (APM). APM is threat independent method in which critical columns from ground floor and intermediate floor are removed and demand-capacity ratio (DCR) is found out for beams and columns. From the values of DCR potential for progressive collapse is analysed. Different alternatives are explored to mitigate the potential of progressive collapse of buildings.