Title:
Progressive Collapse Performance of Unbonded Prestressed Reinforced-Concrete Beam-Column Sub-Assemblages Under Column Removal Scenarios (Prepublished)
Author(s):
Wen-Liu Xu, Li-Cheng Wang, Yong-Qin Liang, Fei-Fan Feng
Publication:
Structural Journal
Volume:
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
Keywords:
FE Model; progressive collapse performance; RC frame structure; theoretical model; unbonded post-tensioning strand
DOI:
10.14359/51746754
Date:
4/9/2025
Abstract:
An approach to improve the progressive collapse resistance of conventional RC frame structure was put forth by using unbonded post-tensioning strand (UPS). Two UPSs with a straight profile are mounted at the bottom of the beam section. A static loading test was conducted on an unbonded prestressed RC (UPRC) beam-column sub-assemblage under a column removal scenario. The structural behaviors of the test specimen, such as the load-carrying capacity, failure mode, post-tensioning force of the UPSs, and rebar strain, were captured. By analyzing the results of the tested substructure, it was found that the compressive arch action (CAA) and catenary action (CTA) were sequentially mobilized in the UPRC sub-assemblage to avert its progressive collapse. The presence of UPSs could significantly improve the load-carrying capacity of conventional RC structures to defend against progressive collapse. Moreover, a high-fidelity finite element (FE) model of the test specimen was built by using the software ABAQUS. The FE model was validated by the experimental results in terms of the variation of vertical load, horizontal reaction force, and post-tensioning force of the UPSs against middle joint displacement (MJD). Finally, a theoretical model was proposed to evaluate the anti-progressive collapse capacities of UPRC sub-assemblages. It was validated by the test result as well as by the FE Models of the UPRC sub-assemblages which were calibrated using the available experimental data.