Enhancement Factor for Collapse Resistance of RC Buildings Considering Brick Infills

Abstract

Progressive collapse is described as the removal or damage of one or more primary load carrying elements of the structures leading to the partial or full collapse of structures. For assessment of resistance towards collapse, various methods have been found in good literature and guidelines like alternate path method, strengthening or enhancement in local elements, strengthening of the girders, truss formulation at upper-level storey etc. In the present study, attempts have been focused on the contribution of brick infill walls on building resistance to collapse with different opening ratios. Three buildings structures have been considered in the present study having 4-storey, 7-storey and 10-storey (bare frame) with removal cases of four columns on at a time. The worst column removal scenario has been considered to check the influence of brick infill wall panels with different opening ratios. The structure is designed as per relevant IS codes and masonry work for brick infill have been considered with first class bricks. The present study recommends the enhancement factor for the contribution of brick infill wall panels for collapse resistance assessment of bare RC frame structure.