Numerical Investigation of Steel and Concrete Composite Framed Structures under a Column Loss Scenario

This paper summarises the results of a numerical study of the behaviour of composite steel and concrete framed structures in the event of accidental column loss. FE models calibrated to the results of experimental studies allowed investigation of the response of two whole steel and concrete buildings. With the aim of in-vestigating the capability of the structures to activate alternate load paths, the individual collapse of six ground floor columns was simulated. Attention was focused on the actions at the base of the columns, on the stresses in the concrete slab and on the rotation of beam-to-column joints. The activation of catenary action in beams, the development of membrane forces in floors and the resources in terms of beam-to-column joints ro-tational capacity allowed the redistribution of forces from the damaged to the undamaged parts of the struc-tures. Detailed design of reinforcement and connections are needed to fully develop forces redistribution.