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. ► Progressive collapse of reinforced concrete structures is analysed computationally. ► A layered beam modelling approach is used with structural dynamic computations. ► The influence of various design and material parameters is assessed. ► Strain rate effects are shown to influence the obtained failure patterns.