APPROACHES FOR DESIGN AGAINST PROGRESSIVE COLLAPSE

Abstract

A progressive collapse is a chain reaction type of failure which follows damage to a relatively small portion of a structure. Progressive collapse constitutes an unacceptable hazard in many buildings, and thus procedures for its control should be incorporated in building standards. Design strategies for reducing the risk of initial failure and for controlling the amount of damage that occurs are presented and their relative advantages are covered. Design criteria are given for the reduced loads to be carried by a damaged structure.