Progressive collapse assessment of post-tensioned reinforced concrete flat slab structures using AEM

Abstract Progressive collapse is defined as the failure of a primary vertical element of a structure, which may result in the failure of adjoining elements, consequently, leads to a partial or total collapse of the structure. Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC) and General Services Administration (GSA) guidelines used to assess the behavior of structures subjected to progressive collapse as a result of the loss of primary vertical support. For the current case study, numerical analysis is carried out for a typical ten-story reinforced concrete post-tensioned flat slab structure subjected to primary vertical element loss (corner column, edge column, internal column, edge shear wall & internal shear wall). The structure is designed according to (ACI 318-14) and its progressive collapse is assessed according to UFC guidelines. Non-linear dynamic analysis for the structure is carried out using Extreme Loading for Structures (ELS) software. The Applied Element Method (AEM) is used to create a 3D model to assess the structure’s progressive collapse behavior as a result of primary support removal. Evolution of axial forces in columns, principal stress contour for slabs and tendon’s prestressing losses are the parameters used to investigate the post-tensioned flat slab progressive collapse as a result of support removal.