Experimental investigation of reinforced concrete exterior beam-column subassemblages for progressive collapse

• Main Authors: Li, Bing., Yap, Sim Lim.
• Other Authors: School of Civil and Environmental Engineering
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: 2012
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/95273; http://hdl.handle.net/10220/8395; http://www.concrete.org/PUBS/JOURNALS/OLJDetails.asp?Home=SJ&ID=51683211
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

This paper presents experimental investigations on the performance of reinforced concrete (RC) exterior beam-column subassemblages under progressive collapse scenario (loss of exterior ground column). The amount of resistance the beam-column subassemblages could provide the structural frame against progressive collapse is of great value in predicting the performance of buildings and for determining the stability of buildings during search-and-rescue operations. Two series of test specimens were tested under monotonic loading to simulate gravity load on the damaged structure after a blast event (assuming the damaged structure remained standing). In the first series (NS series), the overall performance of the beam-column subassemblages based on as-built detailing of structures commonly found in Singapore were assessed. In the second series (LS series), improvements/modifications were made to the as-built design by incorporating some seismic detailing. The experimental results highlighting behavior, such as force-displacement responses, crack patterns, and failure mechanisms, are discussed and the overall performance of the two series were compared and evaluated. In this investigation, extensive instrumentation both internal and external allowed for detailed analysis of the response of the beam-column subassemblage, which is summarized in the paper.