Experimental and Numerical Studies of the Progressive Collapse of a Reinforced Concrete-Framed Structure Using Capacity Curves

In the present paper, the potential of the progressive collapse of a reinforced concrete frame of a seven-storey building was evaluated by comparing the capacity curve and the M–N diagram of the beams. The advantage of this approach is that it captures the exact resistance mechanisms occurring during the progressive collapse of the structure such as flexural action, compressive arch action and catenary action. Furthermore, the overlapping of the capacity curves and the M–N diagram were proved to be an efficient tool to optimize the design of the resistance of structures to collapse. The modelling technique based on the Applied Element Method was validated by an experimental test. Consequently, numerical studies were performed according to General Services Administration guidelines using different scenarios implying the removal of one or two adjacent columns from the ground level. Additionally, the slabs were considered in the structural analysis and flexural action was identified as the main mechanism of action against total structural failure.