Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Engineering - Department of Civil Engineering

Progressive collapse is 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 could be initiated by losing of support from main structural element in extraordinary loads like explosions in a terroristic action and car accident in the parking floor or due to design and construction errors. As a result of increasing terrorist attacks nowadays, many design codes addressed the structures' progressive collapse subjected to sudden loss of a vertical structural element (column and load-bearing wall) such as the Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC). One of the most important design approaches for mitigating progressive collapse is the Alternate Path (AP) method. The alternate path method requires that the structure be capable of bridging over a missing structural element, with the resulting extent of damage being localized. The objective of the study is to assess resistance of multi - story flat slab reinforced concrete structures to progressive collapse initiated by loss of primary vertical support in accordance with UFC guidelines

Issued also as CD