doi:10.3850/978-981-08-9247-0_rp003-icsas11

ABSTRACT

One of the most popular design approaches to demonstrating adequate resistance to progressive collapse is through the provision of tying capacity. To be effective this depends on the development of extremely large deformations so that beams can function as catenarys. Using the Imperial College London approach to assess resistance to progressive collapse in a quantitative fashion through the alternate load path and column removal concepts, the extent to which catenary action significantly contributes to resistance to progressive collapse is assessed by examining the results obtained from several studies of steel and composite frames designed as non-sway according to the principles of simple construction. It is found that other mechanisms are much more important since failure in the sense of the inability of the damaged structure in its grossly deformed state to assume a new equilibrium position through exhaustion of connection ductility will normally occur well before catenary action develops to any significant degree. When resistance to progressive collapse has to be assessed, the provision of a particular level of tying resistance would not therefore appear to be a suitable design approach.

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