numerical analysis of rc column failure due to blast and collapse scenarios for an irregular rc-framed structure

This paper focuses on the numerical analysis of collapse due to blast action for a reinforced concrete (rc) framed building. the analyses are conducted using the applied element method. this numerical method is able to model accurately all the structural behaviour stages leading up to the collapse itself. in the first part of the study, the numerical method is validated through the use of experimental data available in the literature. subsequently, the collapse resistance of an asymmetric rc-framed structure, designed according to the prescriptions from the current romanian seismic design code, is evaluated by employing several column removal scenarios and even a demolition scenario. the results show that due to the seismic design, the structure is able to resist the loads occurring in the scenarios in which one or two columns are considered as failed. the demolition scenario is introduced to demonstrate the utility of the applied element method to observe the load redistribution mechanism in the case of failure of several columns.