Title: Gravity Load Redistribution and Progressive Collapse Resistance of 20-Story Reinforced Concrete Structure following Loss of Interior Column

Author(s): Mehrdad Sasani and Serkan Sagiroglu

Publication: Structural Journal

Volume: 107

Issue: 6

Appears on pages(s): 636-644

Keywords: disproportionate collapse; dynamic response; load redistribution; load resistance; nonlinear analysis; progressive collapse

DOI: 10.14359/51664011

Date: 11/1/2010

Abstract:
The dynamic gravity-load redistribution of Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis, TN, a 20-story reinforced concrete (RC) structure, is evaluated and characterized experimentally and analytically following the removal of an interior ground-floor column. The structure resisted progressive collapse with a measured maximum vertical displacement of only 9.7 mm (0.38 in.). Analytical results using the finite element method are presented, which show good agreement with the experimental data. The propagation of deformation over the height of the structure and its effects on the load redistribution are presented. The effects of the remaining and bent-out steel bars of the removed column on the response of the structure are modeled and evaluated. The response of the structure due to additional dead and live loads and with complete removal of the column (including the steel bars) is analytically evaluated.