Experimental research on progressive collapse performance of RC frame structures

In this paper the pseudo-static experiment is finished to investigate the progressive collapse performance of a reinforced concrete space frame structure, which is designed without seismic demand. The progressive collapse of the frame structure is simulated with testing a 1/3 scale, 4×2-bay and 3-storey reinforced concrete space frame in the experiment, and the middle-side column of the bottom floor is replaced by mechanical jacks to simulate its failure. Based on the experimental results, the applied load process and the load transferring mechanism of the model frame are analyzed. It is concluded that the progressive collapse resistance consists of the plastic hinge mechanism and the catenary mechanism.