Abstracts Category : Other

Experimental evaluation of a precast concrete beam-to-column prototype design under a column removal scenario

by Alamo Jorge Torres

Precast concrete multistory buildings are used in an attempt to optimize the available construction space and reduce costs. However, little is known about predicting their capacity in a brittle response mode due to the sudden loss of a critical element that could induce a Progressive Collapse Scenario. Therefore, the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) developed an explicit approach in the design of precast concrete systems that is intended to mitigate a progressive collapse by enhancing the rotational capacity of joints and the robustness of the structural system. A full-scale experiment was conducted to investigate the structural performance of a prototype design under a column-removal scenario. The test assembly frame, consisting of three columns and two beams, was subjected to a displacement controlled vertical force acting at the center to characterize the failure modes and collapse mechanisms. Brittle-failures of critical structural elements were observed and significantly impacted the performance. Advisors/Committee Members: Seamus F. Freyne (committee member), Stanley C. Woodson (committee member), Philip M. Gullett (chair).