Title:
Progressive Collapse Performance of Unbonded Prestressed Reinforced Concrete Beam-Column Subassemblages under Column Removal Scenarios
Author(s):
Wen-Liu Xu, Li-Cheng Wang, Yong-Qin Liang, and Fei-Fan Feng
Publication:
Structural Journal
Volume:
122
Issue:
5
Appears on pages(s):
29-43
Keywords:
finite element (FE) model; progressive collapse performance; reinforced concrete (RC) frame structure; theoretical model; unbonded post-tensioning strand (UPS)
DOI:
10.14359/51746754
Date:
9/1/2025
Abstract:
An approach to improve the progressive collapse resistance of conventional reinforced concrete (RC) frame structures was put forth by using unbonded post-tensioning strand (UPS). Two UPSs with straight profiles were mounted at the bottom of the beam section. A static loading test was conducted on an unbonded prestressed RC (UPRC) beam-column subassemblage under a column removal scenario. The structural behaviors of the test specimen such as load-carrying capacity, failure mode, post-tensioning force of the UPSs, and reinforcing bar strain were captured. By analyzing the results of the tested substructure, it was found that the compressive arch action (CAA) and catenary action (CTA) were sequentially mobilized in the UPRC subassemblage to avert its progressive collapse. The presence of UPSs could significantly improve the load-carrying capacity of conventional RC structures to defend against progressive collapse. Moreover, a high-fidelity finite element (FE) model of the test specimen was built using the software ABAQUS. The FE model was validated by experimental results in terms of the variation of vertical load, horizontal reaction force, and post-tensioning force of the UPSs against middle joint displacement (MJD). Finally, a theoretical model was proposed to evaluate the anti-progressive collapse capacities of UPRC subassemblages. It was validated by the test results as well as the FE models of the UPRC subassemblages, which were calibrated using the available experimental data.
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