Comparison of Progressive Collapse Simulation Approaches for RC Structures Under the Scenario of Corner Column Loss

Understanding benefits and drawbacks of progressive collapse simulation approaches is essential for structural engineers to employ for simulating column removal scenarios of structures. This paper aims to compare various progressive collapse simulation approaches. Three progressive collapse simulation approaches were studied to simulate a corner column removal scenario, including Pulldown Method (PM), Balancing Gravity load by Equivalent Member Force (BGEMF), and Stress Reduction of Element (SRE) approach. For each approach, a Two-Story RC Flat Slab Frame and an RC Flat Slab were selected for analysis. FE models, which included nonlinear concrete and reinforcing materials, were created in ANSYS Mechanical and ANSYS/LS-DYNA Workbench. The vertical displacement results from simulations of the three approaches were compared with experimental data to check accuracy of the result from each approach. The BGEMF approach compared better with experimental data for both RC structures. Limitations of the three progressive collapse simulation approaches above were also identified for structural engineers to consider when selecting an approach to simulate column removal scenarios.