Title:
Progressive Collapse-Symposium
Summary
Author(s):
J. E. Breen and C. P. Siess
Publication:
Journal Proceedings
Volume:
76
Issue:
9
Appears on pages(s):
997-1004
Keywords:
bearing walls; blast loads; building codes; collapse; concrete construction; explosions;failure; failure mechanisms; joints (junctions); loads (forces); safety; structural design; structural engineering.
DOI:
10.14359/6972
Date:
9/1/1979
Abstract:
This paper summarizes the major ideas presented at the two-day ACI Symposium on Progressive Collapse. It presents the individual conclusions drawn by the two authors who served as concluding summarizers for each session. The basic nature of the progressive collapse problem is defined, the relationship of abnormal loading to discussions of progressive collapse is illustrated, and basic regulatory approaches are outlined. The area of progressive collapse is examined in relation to an overall safety philosophy and it is concluded that it is necessary to keep the risk of a progressive collapse lower than that of a local failure because of the effect of scale. The paper discusses future directions and makes the assessment that at the end of this symposium the structural engineering profession in the United States was still undecided as to whether specific regulations were required to minimize the risk of progressive collapse.