Effect of progressive collapse of central column on the push-down response of two-span beam-column substructures

In this paper, a simplified model is proposed for hand calculation of the push-down curve of reinforced two-span beam-column substructures with the mid-span column subjected to a vertical load inducing progressive collapse response. The model takes into account the flexural, arch and catenary strength mechanisms and the axial stiffness of RC compressed columns. The model was validated against experimental data available in the literature. The expressions derived, in a closed form, were useful for hand calculation of push-down responses and robustness evaluation of RC framed structures. The derived explicit expressions can be applied in a step-by-step manner for tracing nonlinear behavior up to failure and to give design rules for the robustness of RC framed structures