Study of progressive collapse distribution in reinforced concrete buildings due to simultaneous effects of earthquake loads and edge column removal

Progressive collapse phenomenon may occur due to various loads and many researchers have investigated the progressive collapse caused by only one source of loading. Novelty and distinction of this research in comparison with the other studies is that in the current study, the progressive collapse phenomenon has been studied due to the simultaneous effects of ground motion records and elimination of the column critical members. With the aid of the methods of the present research, prediction of collapse paths is schematically possible in progressive collapse phenomenon of structures, including the weak or defective column, in the presence of ground motion records. Accordingly, reinforcing and retrofitting the short and mid-rise structures become possible. Therefore, in this study, short- and mid-rise 3 and 5-storey RC structures with intermediate moment resisting frames were evaluated in presence of the simultaneous effects of the ground motion records and edge column elimination. Results show that collapse dissemination in the structures is specific, repetitive and similar and independent of the ground motions. So, it is possible to foresee the critical elements, collapse paths and its propagation in the similar structures, which can be used to provide practical procedures in the guidelines and standards for reinforcing or retrofitting the short- and mid-rise similar structures. Subsequently, the progressive collapse phenomenon in the structures reduces and eventually, it is possible to control and reducing damages in the similar structures.