Collapse-resistant mechanism of RC beam-slab substructures using kinked steel plates under two-adjacent-edge-columns removal scenario

To improve the progressive collapse resistance of reinforced concrete (RC) frame structures without basically affecting their seismic performance, the authors have proposed a novel method of adding locally debonded kinked steel plates (KPs) at the beam-ends of the RC frames. This method has been verified through quasi-static tests on the RC beam-column assemblies. Considering the presence of slabs, this paper investigated the collapse-resistant mechanism and resistance improvement for the RC beam-slab substructures using locally debonded KPs. First, quasi-static tests were conducted on two RC beam-slab substructures under the scenario of removing two-adjacent-edge-columns. One substructure was configurated with the KPs and the other without the KPs for comparison. Test results demonstrated that, by adding the KPs, the ultimate resistance and deformability of the beam-slab substructure improved by 76% and 40%, respectively. Second, the high-fidelity finite element (FE) models were created to analyze the load transfer path of the substructure and the resistance contribution at the stage of catenary mechanism. Combining the test and FE analysis results, the collapse-resistant mechanism was revealed, i.e., the KPs could fully mobilize and develop the catenary action in the edge-beams and the tensile membrane action in the slabs along the edge direction. Finally, an analytical model was developed for predicting the ultimate resistance of the RC beam-slab substructures with or without the KPs under the scenario of removing two-adjacent-edge-columns.

Automated summary

This paper proposes a novel method of improving the progressive collapse resistance of RC frame structures by adding locally debonded kinked steel plates (KPs). Experimental tests and finite element analysis reveal that the addition of KPs significantly enhances the ultimate resistance and deformability of the beam-slab substructures. The mechanism of resistance improvement is explained, and an analytical model is developed for predicting the ultimate resistance of the structures.