Improving the Safety of Accidentally Damaged Reinforced Concrete Columns through Composite Action

This paper provides initially an overview of some general issues associated with the robustness of structures. Firstly, a brief discussion related to the progressive collapse, from its basic definition, to the inherent difficulties of understanding, analysing and mitigating this phenomenon is presented. Attention is also drawn to the potential sources of abnormal loads that should be examined when designing for progressive collapse performance. In addition, some of the design standards that have been developed, and methods for designing to progressive collapse hazards, are discussed. Finally, a numerical analysis of a four storey reinforced concrete frame structure has been carried out and the results concerning the assessment of a progressively damaged structure are presented.