Quantification of model uncertainties of the energy-based method for dynamic column removal scenarios

The Alternative Load Path (ALP) method is widely used to assess progressive collapse resistance of reinforced concrete (RC) structures by notional removal of one or more load-bearing elements. In general, a nonlinear time history analysis (NTHA) is needed to perform such an analysis if dynamic effects are explicitly taken into account. To avoid cumbersome nonlinear dynamic analyses, the energy-based method (EBM) is a promising technique to predict the maximum dynamic responses of a structural system. In this article, the accuracy and precision of the EBM is evaluated based on a validated finite element model of a tested RC slab subjected to a sudden column removal scenario, in particular in relation to the investigation of tensile membrane action (TMA). Influences of dynamic effects are evaluated, i.e. in relation to strain rate effects, damping, and the time duration of support removals. Strain rate effects are observed to have only slight influences on the dynamic responses. The strain rate dependency of reinforcement is found to have a more significant influence on the responses in TMA stage, although also to a limited extent. The magnitude of the load has a significant influence on the dynamic response, as do increasing damping ratios due to the corresponding significant energy dissipation. Finally, the dynamic response reduces with increasing time duration of the column removal. Based on the results of the stochastic analyses, the EBM is observed to perform well based on a comparison with the results of NTHA in both flexural and TMA stages. Furthermore, in relation to the analyzed case studies on reinforced concrete slabs, the model uncertainty of the responses obtained through the EBM compared with the NTHA is found to be represented well by a lognormal distribution with mean of 0.95 and a standard deviation of 0.20, for evaluating the loads of first rupture of reinforcement. Furthermore, a lognormal distribution with mean 0.96 and standard deviation 0.13 is found appropriate to represent the model uncertainty on ultimate load-bearing capacity predictions. Model uncertainties are also obtained with respect to the model predictions for displacements at the moment of the first rupture of reinforcement, displacements at the ultimate load-bearing capacities, and both loads and displacements at second load peaks.

Automated summary

The Alternative Load Path (ALP) method is widely used to assess the progressive collapse resistance of reinforced concrete (RC) structures, with the energy-based method (EBM) being a promising technique to predict dynamic responses. The accuracy and precision of EBM in relation to tensile membrane action (TMA) were evaluated, showing good performance compared to nonlinear time history analysis (NTHA).