Progressive Collapse Analysis of an RC Building with Exterior Non-Structural Walls

Abstract In this study, effects of three common types of exterior non-structural RC walls on the progressive collapse potential of an RC frame are investigated. Linear and nonlinear static analyses are carried out for the RC frames with and without the non-structural walls under three different column-loss scenarios. Changes in demand-to-capacity ratios indicate that without considering the non-structural walls, the moment demand of beams may be overestimated while the shear demand may be underestimated, especially for the panel-type walls. They may increase the collapse resistance of the building frame under column loss, but with decreased ductility capacity. With a constant opening rate of 60%, the wing-type exterior wall is a better option than the parapet-type and panel-type walls from the structural aspect. The panel-type wall appears to be the worst choice since shear failure of their connected beam members may be induced.