Simplified Collapse Analysis Using Data from Building Experiment

In this research, an existing reinforced concrete building was instrumented and tested, by removing three columns from the first story. The building was modeled and analyzed, to investigate its collapse behavior. Before scheduled demolition of the test building, the columns neighboring the removed columns were instrumented. During each column removal, distribution of loads from the removed column to the neighboring columns was monitored and recorded. A series of models ranging from very detailed to very simple are developed based on numerous modeling simplifications that are investigated and justified. Ultimately, a procedure for creating a final simplified model and a spring model consisting of only a few structural elements is developed. The proposed procedure and model can be used for quick assessment of the ability of a multi-story building to resist collapse.