Progressive Collapse of RCC Structure: A Review

Abstract

Progressive collapse is a sudden, severe failure of a structure, spreading from an initial point of
damage to other parts. It occurs when a critical component, like a column, is compromised, often
triggered by accidents, explosions, or natural disasters. The concern about the progressive
collapse increased during the late sixties after the Ronan Building incidences in the UK.
Mitigation efforts against the progressive collapse focus on minimizing the risk and potential
catastrophic consequences. The critical issue with progressive collapse is the significant difference
between the initial and final damage, which can destroy the whole building. Various strategies
prevent the initial damage from spreading and causing more destruction. These include
strengthening certain load-bearing elements or designing the building plan more effectively.
The General Services Administration (GSA) and the Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC) provide
crucial guidelines for preventing progressive collapse. One standard method they recommend is
the Alternative Path Method (APM). This method helps evaluate how a building would respond to
potential progressive collapse by ensuring that the rest of the structure can still stand safely if one
part fails. An attempt has been made in the current research to assimilate the research carried out
in the recent past in the field of progressive collapse and its mitigation and put forth
recommendations.