Progressive collapse is defined as the spread of an initial local failure from element to element, eventually
resulting in the collapse of an entire structure or a disproportionately large part of it. Progressive collapse is a relatively rare event, as it requires both an abnormal loading to initiate the local damage and a structure that lacks adequate continuity, ductility and redundancy to resist the spread of damage. However, significant casualties can result when collapse occurs.
There is relatively few data on the actual performance of structural systems and components under the extreme demands. To improve confidence about actual performance, engineers might need to conduct sophisticated analyses that include realistic representations of initiating damage, consider building features that might normally be discounted in practical design. Therefore, in the present study, a wider initial damage has been considered for evaluating the progressive collapse of the structures and their response to progressive collapse is assessed by numerous modeling of RC structures with the presence and absence of infills.
In this thesis, 3D panels are used as infills. Some advantages of using these panels are the lightness and their potential to speed up the construction. Evaluated models are regular three, six and nine story structures. Ratio of spans length to the story height is variable between 1,1.5 and 2 and infills are modeled with 100,50 and 30 percent's of opening. The response of the structures due to sudden removal of column is evaluated by using nonlinear dynamic analysis method provided in SAP2000 software.