Nonlinear Behavior of a Reinforced Concrete (RC) Building Strengthened with CFRP Under Progressive Collapse Based on Alternate Path Method

The spread of an initial local failure from element to element, eventually resulting in the collapse of an entire structure or a disproportionately large part of it is defined as progressive collapse. Occurrence of events such as blast, firing, vehicle collision and error in design calculations or construction could cause local damages to structures. Although prospect of progressive collapse is not considered in ordinary buildings, such incident could result in significant human casualties, economic losses, and security threats in buildings which fall into very high importance categories. In this paper progressive collapse analysis is briefly presented and then nonlinear behavior of a seven-story reinforced concrete building with special resisting moment frame designed against seismic loads is evaluated under progressive collapse in accordance with Unified Facilities Criteria, UFC4-023-03 code, based on alternate path method using SAP software. It is observed that the structure is unable to meet the requirements presented in the UFC. Thus, weak beams were strengthened in flexure by carbon reinforced polymer (CFRP) fabrics. Results of the analysis indicate that the adopted method greatly enhances continuity and strength in beams adjacent to the lost column and hence in plastic hinge development, remaining the damage to be local.