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Structural Reliability of RC Frame Buildings
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Structural Reliability of RC Frame Buildings

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Civil Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2021) | Viewed by 27857

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Valerio De Biagi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Structural, Geotechnical and Building Engineering (DISEG), Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy
Interests: structural robustness; natural hazards; man-made hazards; exceptional loads on structures; threat-independent damage scenarios
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Frames are structural systems largely adopted in civil engineering works. Their ability to resist gravitational and lateral loads depends on the bending mechanisms that develop in beams and columns. Reinforced concrete (RC) members are bending-resistant structural elements whose capacity is a direct consequence of the complementary presence of compressive (concrete) and tensile (steel reinforcement) resisting materials. Due to the reduced maintenance cost and easiness of construction, RC frames are among the most common structural resisting systems in buildings. Resistance when exposed to fire and robustness under thread-independent damage scenarios are some of the capabilities of RC frames. The reliability of such structures is a key topic for the structural design and safety assessment of new and existing buildings in all the possible scenarios, ordinary and exceptional.

The aim of this Special Issue is to attract world-leading researchers in the area of reliability assessment of RC frame buildings in an effort to highlight the effects of aging, ordinary and exceptional loads, thread-independent damage scenarios or other phenomena that can occur during the working life of the constructions such as, but not limited to, maintenance and repair works. The accepted contributions will focus on structural reliability and will include theoretical considerations, numerical and experimental modeling, and applications to specific and well-detailed case studies.

Dr. Valerio De Biagi
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Frame structures
  • Reinforced concrete
  • Reliability
  • Damage scenario
  • Maintenance works

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 1081 KiB  
Article
Reliability Verification of Existing RC Structures Using Partial Factors Approaches and Site-Specific Data
by Carlos Lara, Peter Tanner, Carlos Zanuy and Ramon Hingorani
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(4), 1653; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11041653 - 12 Feb 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1741
Abstract
The assessment of an existing structure to determine its suitability for present and future use entails different sorts of problems than encountered when designing new structures. The differences revolve essentially around the nature of the information available. In existing structures, deteriorated or otherwise, [...] Read more.
The assessment of an existing structure to determine its suitability for present and future use entails different sorts of problems than encountered when designing new structures. The differences revolve essentially around the nature of the information available. In existing structures, deteriorated or otherwise, the accuracy of the models used for such assessments can usually be improved by acquiring more data. The most accurate way to find actual load and resistance would be to conduct a probabilistic analysis using site data. This is a time-consuming process, however, calling for a working knowledge of probabilistic methods that may not be suited to everyday use by practising engineers. For this reason, in the past few years various studies have been conducted to develop assessment approaches, compatible with Eurocodes, which include the same verification format as normally applied for designing new structures. In this paper, the application of several of these approaches is illustrated by means of the reliability verification of one of the main beams of the reinforced concrete structure of an industrial building from the 1940s, recently transformed into a cultural centre. The obtained results are discussed and compared to the findings of a full probabilistic analysis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structural Reliability of RC Frame Buildings)
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22 pages, 6553 KiB  
Article
Nonlinear Dynamic Response of a Precast Concrete Building to Sudden Column Removal
by Simone Ravasini, Beatrice Belletti, Emanuele Brunesi, Roberto Nascimbene and Fulvio Parisi
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(2), 599; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11020599 - 9 Jan 2021
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 3301
Abstract
Robustness of reinforced concrete (RC) structures is an ongoing challenging research topic in the engineering community. During an extreme event, the loss of vertical load-bearing elements can activate large-deformation resisting mechanisms such as membrane and catenary actions in beams and floor slabs of [...] Read more.
Robustness of reinforced concrete (RC) structures is an ongoing challenging research topic in the engineering community. During an extreme event, the loss of vertical load-bearing elements can activate large-deformation resisting mechanisms such as membrane and catenary actions in beams and floor slabs of cast-in-situ RC buildings to resist gravity loads. However, few studies have been conducted for precast concrete (PC) buildings, especially focused on the capacity of such structures to withstand column loss scenarios, which mainly relies on connection strength. Additional resistance resource and alternate load paths could be reached via tying systems. In this paper, the progressive collapse resistance of a PC frame building is analyzed by means of nonlinear dynamic finite element analyses focusing on the fundamental roles played by beam-to-column connection strength and tying reinforcement. A simplified modelling approach is illustrated in order to investigate the response of such a structural typology to a number of sudden column-removal scenarios. The relative simplicity of the modelling technique is considered useful for engineering practice, providing new input for further research in this field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structural Reliability of RC Frame Buildings)
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17 pages, 6552 KiB  
Article
Seismic Upgrading of Existing Reinforced Concrete Buildings Using Friction Pendulum Devices: A Probabilistic Evaluation
by Diego Gino, Costanza Anerdi, Paolo Castaldo, Mario Ferrara, Gabriele Bertagnoli and Luca Giordano
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(24), 8980; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app10248980 - 16 Dec 2020
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 1804
Abstract
In many countries around the world a huge number of existing reinforced concrete (RC) structures have been realized without account for seismic detailing, even if they are located in areas subjected to high seismicity. In this context, several passive seismic protection techniques have [...] Read more.
In many countries around the world a huge number of existing reinforced concrete (RC) structures have been realized without account for seismic detailing, even if they are located in areas subjected to high seismicity. In this context, several passive seismic protection techniques have been developed and applied to retrofit these structures such as, for an example, seismic isolation. The aim of this work is to characterize in probabilistic terms the seismic performance of a framed RC building retrofitted by means of sliding friction pendulum (FPS) devices. Specifically, the response of an existing RC building located in a high seismicity area in Italy is investigated. After the description of the main available information about the structure, a non-linear numerical model has been defined by means of fiber-elements approach. Then, non-linear dynamic analyses considering multiple recorded ground motions with the three accelerometric components have been carried out to assess the seismic response of the building with and without the retrofitting intervention composed of FPS isolators. Finally, the results are processed to achieve a probabilistic assessment of the seismic performance of the retrofitting intervention. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structural Reliability of RC Frame Buildings)
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27 pages, 9537 KiB  
Article
A Parametric Computational Study of RC Building Structures under Corner-Column Removal Situations
by Manuel Buitrago, Elisa Bertolesi, Julio Garzón-Roca, Juan Sagaseta and José M. Adam
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(24), 8911; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app10248911 - 14 Dec 2020
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2611
Abstract
Building progressive collapse is currently one of the hottest topics in the structural engineering field. Most of the research carried out to date on this topic has been focused on the structural analysis of the failure of one or more columns in a [...] Read more.
Building progressive collapse is currently one of the hottest topics in the structural engineering field. Most of the research carried out to date on this topic has been focused on the structural analysis of the failure of one or more columns in a building to determine the Alternative Load Paths (ALPs) the structure can activate. Past research was mainly focused on extreme situations with high loads and large structural deformations and, to a lesser extent, research looked at lower loads used in design accidental situations, which requires a different set of assumptions in the analysis. This paper describes a study aimed at analysing accidental design situations in corner-column removal scenarios in reinforced concrete (RC) building structures and evaluating the available real ALPs in order to establish practical recommendations for design situations that could be taken into account in future design codes. A wide parametric computational analysis was carried out with advanced Finite Element (FE) models which the authors validated by full-scale tests on a purpose-built building structure. The findings allowed us to: (i) establish design recommendations, (ii) demonstrate the importance of Vierendeel action and (iii) recommend Dynamic Amplification Factors (DAFs) for design situations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structural Reliability of RC Frame Buildings)
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16 pages, 6272 KiB  
Article
Effect of Uncertainties in Material and Structural Detailing on the Seismic Vulnerability of RC Frames Considering Construction Quality Defects
by Siyun Kim, Taehwan Moon and Sung Jig Kim
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(24), 8832; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app10248832 - 10 Dec 2020
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1990
Abstract
This paper evaluates the effect of construction quality defects on the seismic vulnerability of reinforced concrete (RC) frames. The variability in the construction quality of material properties and structural detailing is considered to assess the effect on the seismic behavior of RC frames. [...] Read more.
This paper evaluates the effect of construction quality defects on the seismic vulnerability of reinforced concrete (RC) frames. The variability in the construction quality of material properties and structural detailing is considered to assess the effect on the seismic behavior of RC frames. Concrete strength and yield strength of the reinforcement are selected as uncertain variables for the material properties, while the variabilities in the longitudinal reinforcement ratio and the volumetric ratio of transverse reinforcement are employed for structural detailing. Taking into account the selected construction quality uncertainties, the sensitivity analysis of the seismic vulnerability of the RC frames is performed and the impact of significant parameters is assessed at the global and local levels. This extensive analytical study reveals that the seismic vulnerability of the selected RC frame is particularly sensitive to concrete strength and the volumetric ratio of transverse reinforcement. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structural Reliability of RC Frame Buildings)
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21 pages, 2817 KiB  
Article
Revisiting Two Simulation-Based Reliability Approaches for Coastal and Structural Engineering Applications
by Adrián-David García-Soto, Felícitas Calderón-Vega, César Mösso, Jesús-Gerardo Valdés-Vázquez and Alejandro Hernández-Martínez
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(22), 8176; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app10228176 - 18 Nov 2020
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1497
Abstract
The normality polynomial and multi-linear regression approaches are revisited for estimating the reliability index, its precision, and other reliability-related values for coastal and structural engineering applications. In previous studies, neither the error in the reliability estimation is mathematically defined nor the adequacy of [...] Read more.
The normality polynomial and multi-linear regression approaches are revisited for estimating the reliability index, its precision, and other reliability-related values for coastal and structural engineering applications. In previous studies, neither the error in the reliability estimation is mathematically defined nor the adequacy of varying the tolerance is investigated. This is addressed in the present study. First, sets of given numbers of Monte Carlo simulations are obtained for three limit state functions and probabilities of failure are computed. Then, the normality polynomial approach is applied to each set and mean errors in estimating the reliability index are obtained, together with its associated uncertainty; this is defined mathematically. The data is also used to derive design points and sensitivity factors by multi-linear regression analysis for given tolerances. Results indicate that power laws define the mean error of the reliability index and its standard deviation as a function of the number of simulations for the normality polynomial approach. Results also indicate that the multi-linear regression approach accurately predicts reliability-related values if enough simulations are performed for a given tolerance. It is concluded that the revisited approaches are a valuable option to compute reliability-associated values with reduced simulations, by accepting a quantitative precision level. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structural Reliability of RC Frame Buildings)
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18 pages, 4263 KiB  
Article
Probabilistic Studies on the Shear Strength of Slender Steel Fiber Reinforced Concrete Structures
by Oladimeji B. Olalusi and Panagiotis Spyridis
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(19), 6955; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app10196955 - 4 Oct 2020
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1617
Abstract
Shear failure is a brittle and undesirable mode of failure in reinforced concrete structures. Many of the existing shear design equations for steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) beams include significant uncertainty due to the failure in accurately predicting the true shear capacity. Given [...] Read more.
Shear failure is a brittle and undesirable mode of failure in reinforced concrete structures. Many of the existing shear design equations for steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) beams include significant uncertainty due to the failure in accurately predicting the true shear capacity. Given these, adequate quantification and description of model uncertainties considering the systematic variation in the model prediction and measured shear capacity is crucial for reliability-based investigation. Reliability analysis must account for model uncertainties in order to predict the probability of failure under prescribed limit states. This study focuses on the quantification and description of model uncertainty related to the current shear resistance predictive models for SFRC beams without shear reinforcement. The German (DAfStB) model displayed the lowest bias and dispersion, whereas the fib Model 2010 and the Bernat et al., model displayed the highest bias and dispersion. The inconsistencies observed in the resistance model uncertainties at the variation of shear span to effective depth ratio are a major cause for concern, and differentiation with respect to this parameter is advised. Finally, in line with the EN 1990 semi-probabilistic approach for reliability-based design, the global partial safety factors related to model uncertainties in the shear resistance prediction of SFRC beams are proposed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structural Reliability of RC Frame Buildings)
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20 pages, 6997 KiB  
Article
Hybrid Framework for Simulating Building Collapse and Ruin Scenarios Using Finite Element Method and Physics Engine
by Zhe Zheng, Yuan Tian, Zhebiao Yang and Xinzheng Lu
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(12), 4408; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app10124408 - 26 Jun 2020
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 5473
Abstract
Reliable and high-fidelity virtual ruin scenarios for collapsed buildings are essential for post-earthquake emergency search and rescue training. However, the existing research on the distribution of ruins caused by building collapse is insufficient for supporting post-earthquake rescue training. Therefore, this paper proposes a [...] Read more.
Reliable and high-fidelity virtual ruin scenarios for collapsed buildings are essential for post-earthquake emergency search and rescue training. However, the existing research on the distribution of ruins caused by building collapse is insufficient for supporting post-earthquake rescue training. Therefore, this paper proposes a hybrid framework for simulating building collapse and ruin scenarios, using a finite element (FE) model and a physics engine. Based on this framework, the following methods are proposed: (1) geometric model conversion from the FE model to the physics engine; (2) determination of the initial moment of collapse; and (3) data mapping of the FE simulation results. In addition, a corresponding program, Finite Element Method to Rigid Body Dynamics (FEM2RBD), is developed for the hybrid framework. The proposed framework simulates the entire process of building collapse and the distribution of ruins. The accuracy of the framework is validated using a shaking table test of a three-story reinforced concrete frame. The collapse process and ruin scenario of a real-world library building is simulated as a case study. The results show that the proposed framework combines the advantages of the FE model during the small-deformation stage with the advantages of physics engines during the large-deformation stage. The proposed framework can be valuable in simulating building collapse and ruin scenarios for post-earthquake rescue training. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structural Reliability of RC Frame Buildings)
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16 pages, 783 KiB  
Article
A Simplified Method for Assessing the Response of RC Frame Structures to Sudden Column Removal
by Valerio De Biagi, Foad Kiakojouri, Bernardino Chiaia and Mohammad Reza Sheidaii
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(9), 3081; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app10093081 - 28 Apr 2020
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2893
Abstract
Column loss is a type of damage that can occur in frame structures subjected to explosions or impacts. The response of such structures largely depends on the capacity of the assembly of elements and on the inertia effects due to the sudden nature [...] Read more.
Column loss is a type of damage that can occur in frame structures subjected to explosions or impacts. The response of such structures largely depends on the capacity of the assembly of elements and on the inertia effects due to the sudden nature of the phenomenon. Frame structures are able to develop various resisting mechanisms that prevent the collapse to progress. The assessment of the robustness often requires complex and detailed numerical modelling. For the preliminary design of a robust frame, simplified methods to assess the effectiveness of the redistribution of the loads after the removal of a member are welcome. In the present paper, an approach based on the idealisation of the damaged structure into a single degree-of-freedom system with an elastic-plastic compliance law is proposed. The output of the method is the dynamic response of a target point, which can serve for assessing the residual safety of the structure. Comparing the obtained results with the outputs of a more sophisticated FE (Finite Elements) analysis, a satisfying accuracy is found. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structural Reliability of RC Frame Buildings)
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15 pages, 4760 KiB  
Article
Seismic Behavior of Concrete-Filled Circular Steel Tubular Column–Reinforced Concrete Beam Frames with Recycled Aggregate Concrete
by Zongping Chen, Ji Zhou, Zhibin Li, Xinyue Wang and Xingyu Zhou
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(7), 2609; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app10072609 - 10 Apr 2020
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3730
Abstract
The application of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) in concrete filled steel tubular (CFST) structures can eliminate the deterioration of concrete performance caused by the original defects of the recycled aggregate, which also provides an effective way for the recycling of waste concrete. In [...] Read more.
The application of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) in concrete filled steel tubular (CFST) structures can eliminate the deterioration of concrete performance caused by the original defects of the recycled aggregate, which also provides an effective way for the recycling of waste concrete. In this paper, a test of a small scale model of a circular CFST column-reinforced concrete (RC) beam frame with RACs under low cyclic loading was presented in order to investigate its seismic behavior. The failure modes, plastic hinges sequence, hysteresis curve, skeleton curve, energy dissipation capacity, ductility and stiffness degeneration of the frame were presented and analyzed in detail. The test results show that the design method of the recycled aggregate concrete filled circular steel tube (RACFCST) frame complies with the seismic design requirements of a stronger joint followed by the stronger column and the weaker beam. The hysteresis curve of the frame is symmetrical, showing a relatively full shuttle shape; at the same time, the ductility coefficient of the frame is greater than 2.5, showing good deformation performance. In addition, when the frame is damaged, the displacement angle is greater than 1/38, and the equivalent damping ratios coefficient is 0.243, which indicates that the frame has excellent anti-collapse and energy dissipation abilities. In summary, the RACFCST frame has good seismic behavior, which can be applied to high-rise buildings in high-intensity seismic fortification areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structural Reliability of RC Frame Buildings)
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