Progressive Collapse-Resisting Capacity of RC Frames with Prestressing Tendons

This study investigates the effect of prestressing tendons on the progressive collapse performance of a 6-story reinforced concrete model structure. According to nonlinear static analysis results, the analysis model structure before retrofit turned out to be vulnerable to progressive collapse caused by sudden loss of a first story column. However the RC structure reinforced by external prestressing tendons along floor girders showed stable behavior against progressive collapse. The retrofit effect increased as the initial tension and cross-sectional area of tendons increased. Based on analysis results it was concluded that the retrofit of existing buildings using prestressing tendons could be effective for increasing progressive collapse resisting capacity of framed structures.