Effect of retrofit strategies on mitigating progressive collapse of steel frame structures

In this study, the effect of three retrofit strategies on enhancing the response of existing steel moment resisting frames designed for gravity loads is investigated using Alternate Path Methods (APM) recommended in the General Services Administration (GSA) and the Department of Defense (DoD) guidelines for resisting progressive collapse. The response is evaluated using 3-D nonlinear dynamic analysis. The studied models represent 6-bay by 3-bay 18-storey steel frames that are damaged by being subjected to six scenarios of sudden removal of one column in the ground floor. Four buildings with bay spans of 5.0 m, 6.0 m, 7.5 m, and 9.0 m were studied. The response of the damaged frames is evaluated when retrofitted using three approaches, namely, increasing the strength of the beams, increasing the stiffness of the beams, and increasing both strength and stiffness of the beams.The objective of this paper is to assess effectiveness of the studied retrofit strategies by evaluating the enhancement in three performance indicators which are chord rotation, tie forces, and displacement ductility demand for the beams of the studied building after being retrofitted.     

Numerical studies on the effect of plan irregularities in the progressive collapse of steel structures

This research examines the effect of plan irregularities on the progressive collapse of four steel structures located in regions with different seismic activity. The plans of the first and second structure are irregular, whilst those of the third and fourth structures are regular. The collapse patterns of the four buildings are examined and compared under seven loading scenarios using non-linear dynamic and static analyses. In the non-linear dynamic analyses, node displacements above the removed columns and the additional force on the columns adjacent to them are discussed. Furthermore, the strength and capacities of the columns are compared to determine their susceptibility to collapse. In the non-linear static analyses, the pushdown curve and yield load factor of the structures are obtained after column removal. The results indicate that an irregular structure designed in site class C seismic zone, collapses in most of the column-removal scenarios. Moreover, when comparing regular and irregular structures designed in site class E seismic zone, the demand force to capacity ratio (D/C) of the columns in the irregular structures is on average between 1.5 and 2 times that of the regular ones.     

钢框架—组合楼板体系抗连续倒塌性能研究

通过将一足尺两层2×2空间钢框架结构底层边跨中柱突然拉倒进行抗连续倒塌试验研究,采用了实体单元和壳单元相结合的建模方式,对试验框架进行了非线性动力有限元分析,试验结果和有限元分析结果表明:关键柱失效后,组合楼板可提供可靠拉结并形成新的荷载传递路径。     

Bar fracture modeling in progressive collapse analysis of reinforced concrete structures

Reliable evaluation of progressive collapse resistance of structures requires substantiated methods and techniques for analyzing the response of critical elements subjected to large deformations. Steel bar fracture is a significant event that can lead to progressive collapse of reinforced concrete (RC) structures. Given the sudden discontinuity associated with bar fracture, modeling of such an event in a continuum domain analysis is challenging. In this paper a method is proposed for finite element modeling and analysis of RC elements that accounts for bar fracture. It is demonstrated that such a modeling technique is capable of developing catenary action. Analytical results based on the proposed method show good agreement with experimental data. The underlying cause for a drop in beam vertical resisting force following the peak force is identified and explained.     

浅析楼板板缝开裂的原因及防治

针对楼板板缝开裂的原因，从楼板自身质量问题、楼板与墙体的结合、楼板板缝灌注施工质量等方面进行了分析，提出了相应的防治方法，以有效地杜绝楼板和天棚裂缝的产生。     

Dynamic analysis of composite systems made of concrete slabs and steel beams

Structural engineers have long been trying to develop solutions using the full potential of its composing materials. At this point there is no doubt that the structural solution progress is directly related to an increase in materials science knowledge. These efforts in conjunction with up-to-date modern construction techniques have led to an extensive use of composite floors in large span structures. On the other hand, the competitive trends of the world market have long been forcing structural engineers to develop minimum weight and labour cost solutions. A direct consequence of this new design trend is a considerable increase in problems related to unwanted floor vibrations. For this reason, the structural floors systems become vulnerable to excessive vibrations produced by impacts such as human rhythmic activities. The main objective of this paper is to present an analysis methodology for the evaluation of the composite floors human comfort. This procedure takes into account a more realistic loading model developed to incorporate the dynamic effects induced by human walking. The investigated structural models were based on various composite floors, with main spans varying from 5 to 10 m. Based on an extensive parametric study the composite floors dynamic response, in terms of peak accelerations, was obtained and compared to the limiting values proposed by several authors and design standards. This strategy was adopted to provide a more realistic evaluation for this type of structure when subjected to vibration due to human walking.     

Investigation of the influence of design and material parameters in the progressive collapse analysis of RC structures

This contribution deals with the modelling of reinforced concrete (RC) structures in the context of progressive collapse simulations. One-dimensional nonlinear constitutive laws are used to model the material response of concrete and steel. These constitutive equations are introduced in a layered beam approach, in order to derive physically motivated relationships between generalised stresses and strains at the sectional level. This formulation is used in dynamic progressive collapse simulations to study the structural response of a multi-storey planar frame subjected to a sudden column loss (in the impulsive loading range). Thanks to the versatility of the proposed methodology, various analyses are conducted for varying structural design options and material parameters, as well as progressive collapse modelling options. In particular, the effect of the reinforcement ratio on the structural behaviour is investigated. Regarding the material modelling aspects, the influence of distinct behavioural parameters can be evaluated, such as the ultimate strain in steel and concrete or the potential material strain rate effects on the structural response. Finally, the influence of the column removal time in the sudden column loss approach can also be assessed. Significant differences are observed in terms of progressive failure patterns for the considered parametric variations.     

Toward an economic design of reinforced concrete structures against progressive collapse

A three-dimensional discrete crack model based on the Applied Element Method is used to perform economic design for reinforced concrete structures against progressive collapse. The model adopts fully nonlinear path-dependent constitutive models for concrete and reinforcing bars. The model applies a dynamic solver in which post-failure behavior, element separation, falling and collision are predicted. First, the model is used to study the behavior of multi-story reinforced concrete buildings designed in a traditional manner according to the ACI 318-08 and subjected to accidental removal of one or two central columns at the ground level. In an iterative way, the model is then used to investigate a safe design against progressive collapse for such extreme loading case. Based on the analytical results of the AEM, it can be concluded that the collapse of only one column would not lead to any progressive collapse of the studied reinforced concrete structure. However, the collapse of more than one column may lead to a progressive collapse of a considerable part of it. It is concluded also that the AEM could be successfully used as an analytical tool to suggest economical designs that are safe against progressive collapse of reinforced concrete structures.     

Simplified nonlinear progressive collapse analysis of welded steel moment frames

In this study, two nonlinear analysis methods are proposed that can be used for a simplified but accurate evaluation of progressive collapse potential in welded steel moment frames. To this end, the load-resisting mechanism of the column-removed double-span beams in welded steel moment frames was first investigated based on material and geometric nonlinear parametric finite element analysis. A simplified tri-linear model for the vertical resistance versus chord rotation relationship of the double-span beams was developed. The application of the developed model to energy-based nonlinear static progressive collapse analysis was then proposed. The relationship between the gravity loading and the maximum dynamic chord rotation or the concept of collapse spectrum was also established for a quick assessment of the maximum deformation demands.     

Experimental study on semi-rigid composite joints with steel beams and precast hollowcore slabs

The concept of semi-rigid composite connection has been widely researched in the past; however, most of the researches are limited to composite joints with metal deck flooring and solid concrete slabs. Composite construction incorporating precast concrete hollowcore slabs (HCU) is a recently developed composite floor system for buildings. The research on the structural behaviour of the semi-rigid composite joints with HCU is new and without any previous experimental database. In this paper, eight full-scale tests of beam-to-column semi-rigid composite joints with steel beams and precast hollowcore slabs are reported. The variables are stud spacing, degree of the shear connections, area of the longitudinal reinforcement and slab thickness. The test set-up and instrumentation is described in detail. The experimental behaviour is analysed and based on the test data the structural behaviour of these semi-rigid composite joints is discussed. Based on the experimental data, a simplified method to predict rotation and moment capacity for this type of composite connection is proposed.     

组合楼板中问题的思考

对组合楼板设计过程中,关于挠度和频率的相关规范进行了深入细致的比较与分析,明确提出了在组合楼板设计中挠度和频率的限值的要求,对设计人员进行组合楼板的设计具有一定的帮助作用。     

冷轧带肋钢筋现浇混凝土板开裂现象研究及探讨

本文总结了冷轧带肋钢筋在福州地区的应用情况,对现浇砼板裂缝现象进行现场调查,并探究其裂缝发生的机理,最后对高强带肋钢筋在砼楼板中的应用前景提出有益的建议和展望     

从汶川地震震害谈建筑结构抗连续倒塌设计方法

在5·12汶川特大地震中,许多建筑物发生了连续倒塌。本文结合该次地震造成的建筑物连续倒塌震害,介绍分析了建筑结构连续倒塌的定义、原因以及抗连续倒塌主要设计方法,并对我国抗连续倒塌设计研究提出建议,为我国深入研究和尽快完善建筑结构抗连续倒塌设计提供参考。     

首层架空多层框架结构抗地震倒塌简化验算

探讨了把首层架空框架结构简化为单质点模型的条件,对工程中常见的首层架空多层钢筋混凝土框架结构的简化条件进行了分析,指出当结构高宽比较小时,可简化成一个单层框架模型。根据单层框架模型,利用结构延性需求、等效阻尼比、地震加速度反应谱得到架空层的层间需求曲线(V-u曲线),作为架空层抗地震倒塌设计的依据。通过结构在罕遇地震下的倒塌率计算,验证了文中方法的可靠性。     

Evaluation of progressive collapse alternate load path analyses in designing for blast resistance of steel columns

The alternate load path method is a convenient, “threat-independent” method used in progressive collapse analysis and design. Because no actual loadings are considered in this method, the resistance provided by the alternate load path method for specific extreme events is not well quantified. However, such quantification allows for an understanding of what real scenarios can be efficiently represented by alternate load path analyses. As blast loading is one of the abnormal loading events typically motivating an alternate path analysis, this load type is selected for evaluation in the present work. In order to find the blast threat that is representative of the alternate load path method in steel-framed buildings, finite element analyses of steel columns being subjected to blast loads were analyzed in the program LS-Dyna. Prior to this, sensitivity and validation studies were also completed, which are described herein. The results of the column analyses show that failure is governed by a stability-based deflection criterion. Conclusions regarding the charge sizes that the alternate load path method may be considered to be representative of, as well as the influence of column spacing, size, and end fixity on these results are given.     

Experimental study of bonded steel concrete composite structures

This paper deals with the experimental analysis of the mechanical behaviour of bonded steel-concrete composite structures. The steel girder and the concrete slab are assembled by adhesives. The effect of the main parameters, such as the adhesive nature and the irregular thickness of the adhesive joint, on mechanical performance and ultimate load is studied. Two adhesives are used in this work. The results show that the connection between the steel girder and the concrete slab ensured by epoxy adhesive is perfect and without any slip in the steel-concrete interface. In the case of the composite beam interface ensured by polyurethane, the connection is flexible. The influence of the variation in adhesive thickness, 2 mm in the transverse direction and 4 mm in the longitudinal direction, on the mechanical behaviour and ultimate force is not important. The first cracks in the concrete slab appear in the transverse direction. The experimental results show that it is possible to realise a steel concrete composite structure bonded by adhesive.     

Experimental behaviour of composite slabs during the heating and cooling fire stages

Most theoretical and experimental research investigating the effect of fire on structures has previously concentrated only on the structural behaviour during the heating stages of the fire, partly due to the fact that internationally accepted standard fire tests only consider this stage of the fire. Evidence from real fires in real buildings has highlighted that the cooling phase of a fire is equally important and it is possible for structures to fail during this stage of the fire even though they have survived the heating stage up to a maximum fire temperature. This paper provides an insight into the behaviour of composite slabs under different fire scenarios considering both the heating and cooling phase of the fire. Extensive test data is presented which shows the redistribution of moments and strains in the deck and steel mesh, together with displacements during the full duration of the fire. The results show that the behaviour of composite slabs is dependent on the heating rate, the maximum temperature reached and the cooling rate. In terms of overall performance, displacements and the temperature on the non-fire side of the slab are important. For the tests presented in this paper it was shown that one fire scenario resulted in the maximum displacement but another fire scenario resulted in the maximum temperature on the unexposed face. In addition the maximum temperature of the unexposed side of the slab and the mesh reinforcement within the slab occurring during the cooling stages of the fire. This highlights the fact that the performance of structures must be checked in design under a range of possible fire scenarios, which must include both the heating and cooling stages of a fire.     

An improved tie force method for progressive collapse resistance design of reinforced concrete frame structures

Progressive collapse of structures refers to local damage due to occasional and abnormal loads, which in turn leads to the development of a chain reaction mechanism and progressive and catastrophic failure. The tie force (TF) method is one of the major design techniques for resisting progressive collapse, whereby a statically indeterminate structure is designed through a locally simplified determinate structure by assumed failure mode. The method is also adopted by the BS8110-1:1997, Eurocode 1, and DoD 2005. Due to the overly simplified analytical model used in the current practical codes, it is necessary to further investigate the reliability of the code predictions. In this research, a numerical study on two reinforced concrete (RC) frame structures demonstrates that the current TF method is inadequate in increasing the progressive collapse resistance. In view of this, the fundamental principles inherent in the current TF method are examined in some detail. It is found that the current method fails to consider such important factors as load redistribution in three dimensions, dynamic effect, and internal force correction. As such, an improved TF method is proposed in this study. The applicability and reliability of the proposed method is verified through numerical design examples.     

Assessment of effective slab widths in composite beams

This paper deals with the behaviour of composite beams with particular focus on the effective slab width, which is required for simplified structural analysis and design. Current design codes propose values for the effective width which are mostly a function of the beam span ignoring in this way the influence of other important parameters. Several 3D numerical simulations are conducted in this paper in order to illustrate these parameters and accordingly a new methodology is suggested for evaluating the effective width. The proposed approach is easier to apply in comparison with other existing methods based on stress integration, and provides effective width values which result in a more reliable representation of the actual beam state when simplified analysis is carried out. The application of the new method indicates that the effective width is mostly related to the actual slab width and, in many cases, the values obtained can significantly differ from those proposed in design codes. Validation of the new approach is carried out through comparison of simplified 2D models with the results obtained from a recent experimental investigation as well as from more complex 3D numerical simulations.     

现浇钢筋混凝土楼板裂缝成因及处理方法

介绍了现浇混凝土结构中裂缝的分类,对各种现浇混凝土楼板裂缝的产生原因进行了分析和探讨,并根据各种裂缝发生的原因、性质、大小和使用要求等不同情况提出了相应的治理办法,以期减少和避免裂缝的产生,延长结构耐久性。