Evaluation of Removal Multi-Story Low-Rise RC Frame Demolition Using the Applied Element Method with Sequential Column Removal

Year 2025, Volume: 9 Issue: 2, 222 - 236

Muhammed Nadir Olabi

https://doi.org/10.31127/tuje.1536922

Abstract

Old reinforced concrete buildings are often beyond repair but occupy valuable land that could be used for modern, earthquake-resistant structures. The Applied Element Method (AEM) is a numerical analysis method used in building demolition analysis by dividing buildings into small elements connected by springs, allowing for comprehensive structural analysis under extreme loads. This study uses AEM to simulate the progressive collapse of low-rise 2D framed buildings by removing load-bearing elements sequentially from the first floor, observing collapse patterns, and analyzing debris field lengths (DF). The results show a consistent relationship between the debris field length (DF) and the building dimensions, particularly that DF could be calculated as the sum of the total length and height of the building, ensuring a reliable minimum safety margin for demolition design. Additionally, a multi-linear regression analysis is conducted to develop a accounting for the combined effects of various building characteristics, resulting in an equation for the minimum debris field length. Alternative demolition methods using tension cables to direct the collapse debris to one side were also explored, demonstrating significant DF reductions compared to standard approaches. These results highlight the importance of examining controlled demolition strategies, that enhance safety margins and ensure predictable demolition outcomes.

Keywords

Applied Element Method, Progressive collapse, RC buildings, Demolition, Debris field

Thanks

With gratitude and respect, this work was conducted under the supervision and significant contributions of Dr. Mohamed Darweech, who passed away on April 18, 2022. Dr. Darweech was an associate professor and the head of the Structural Engineering Department at Damascus University.

References

• Deringöl, A. H., & Güneyisi, E. M. (2023). Enhancing the seismic performance of high-rise buildings with lead rubber bearing isolators. Turkish Journal of Engineering, 7(2), 99-107.
• Tanyıldızı, M., Karaca, E. O., & Bozkurt, N. (2022). Green concrete production with waste materials as cement substitution: A literature review. Engineering Applications, 1(1), 33–45.
• İLgün, A., Zia, A. J., Sancioğlu, S., Soydoğan, H. F., Köklü, M. H., Aribaş, S., & Bayram, B. (2023). Buckling performance of thin-walled filled steel columns. Turkish Journal of Engineering, 7(3), 172–179.
• Akın, E., & Kanas, E. (2023). Collapse capacity assessment of non-ductile open ground story reinforced concrete frame. Turkish Journal of Engineering, 7(2), 157-165.
• Yılmaz, M., Can, H., & Köktaş, F. (2024). Examination of buildings with different number of floors using non-linear time history analysis according to TBEC-2018 and EC 8 seismic codes. Advanced Engineering Science, 4, 76–92.
• Yuzbasi, J. (2024). Controlled demolition: Novel monitoring and experimental validation of blast-induced full-scale existing high-rise building implosion using numerical finite element simulations. Journal of Civil Structural Health Monitoring.
• ASCE/SEI7 (Ed.). (2017). Minimum design loads and associated criteria for buildings and other structures. American Society of Civil Engineers.
• Ferraioli, M., Laurenza, B., Lavino, A., & De Matteis, G. (2024). Progressive collapse analysis and retrofit of a steel-RC building considering catenary effect. Journal of Constructional Steel Research, 213, 108364.
• Elkady, N., Augusthus Nelson, L., Weekes, L., Makoond, N., and Buitrago, M. (2024). Progressive collapse: Past, present, future and beyond. Structures, 62, 106131.
• Elsanadedy, H. M., and Abadel, A. A. (2022). High-fidelity FE models for assessing progressive collapse robustness of RC ordinary moment frame (OMF) buildings. Engineering Failure Analysis, 136, 106228.
• Qian, K., Weng, Y.-H., Fu, F., and Deng, X.-F. (2021). Numerical evaluation of the reliability of using single-story substructures to study progressive collapse behaviour of multi-story RC frames. Journal of Building Engineering, 33, 101636.
• Alshaikh, I. M. H., Bakar, B. H. A., Alwesabi, E. A. H., and Akil, H. M. (2020). Experimental investigation of the progressive collapse of reinforced concrete structures: An overview. Structures, 25, 881-900.
• Kiakojouri, F., De Biagi, V., Chiaia, B., and Sheidaii, M. R. (2020). Progressive collapse of framed building structures: Current knowledge and future prospects. Engineering Structures, 206, 110061.
• Kabele, P., Pokorný, T., and Koska, R. (2003). Finite element analysis of building collapse during demolition.
• Zhang, Q., Zhao, Y.-G., Kolozvari, K., and Xu, L. (2020). Simplified model for assessing progressive collapse resistance of reinforced concrete frames under an interior column loss. Engineering Structures, 215, 110688.
• McKenna, F., Scott, M. H., and Fenves, G. L. (2010). Nonlinear finite-element analysis software architecture using object composition. Journal of Computing in Civil Engineering, 24(1), 95-107. Alhafian, S. (2013). Seismic progressive collapse of reinforced concrete frame structures using the Applied Element Method [PhD Dissertation]. Heriot-Watt University.
• Salvalaggio, M., Bernardo, V., & Lourenço, P. B. (2024). Exploring seismic fragility and strengthening of masonry built heritage in Lisbon (Portugal) via the Applied Element Method. Engineering Structures, 320, 118890.
• Baciu, C., Lupoae, M., Nica, G. B., and Constantin, D. (2019). Experimental and numerical studies of the progressive collapse of a reinforced concrete-framed structure using capacity curves. Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering, 44(10), 8805-8818.
• Cismasiu, C., Ramos, A. P., Moldovan, I. D., Ferreira, D. F., and Filho, J. B. (2017). Applied Element Method simulation of experimental failure modes in RC shear walls. Computers and Concrete, 19(4), 365-374.
• Elshaer, A., Mostafa, H., and Salem, H. (2017). Progressive collapse assessment of multistory reinforced concrete structures subjected to seismic actions. KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering, 21(1), 184-194.
• ELS. (2006). Extreme Loading for Structures Technical Manual (2.4) [Computer software]. Applied Science International.
• Meguro, K., and Tagel-Din, H. (2000). Applied Element Method for structural analysis: Theory and application for linear materials. Structural Engineering/Earthquake Engineering, 17(1), 21s-35s.
• Tagel-Din, H., and Meguro, K. (2000a). Applied Element Method for simulation of nonlinear materials: Theory and application for RC structures. Structural Engineering/Earthquake Engineering, 17(2), 137s-148s.
• Meguro, K., and Tagel-Din, H. (2001). Applied element simulation of RC structures under cyclic loading. Journal of Structural Engineering, 127(11), 1295-1305.
• Meguro, K., and Tagel-Din, H. S. (2002). Applied Element Method used for large displacement structural analysis. Journal of Natural Disaster Science, 24(1), 25–34.
• Tagel-Din, H., and Meguro, K. (2000b). Applied Element Method for dynamic large deformation analysis of structures. Structural Engineering/Earthquake Engineering, 17(2), 1(215s)-10(224s).
• Tagel-Din, H., and Meguro, K. (2000c). Analysis of a small-scale RC building subjected to shaking table tests using Applied Element Method. 12th World Conference on Earthquake Engineering.
• Sasani, M. (2008). Response of a reinforced concrete infilled-frame structure to removal of two adjacent columns. Engineering Structures, 30(9), 2478–2491.
• Griffin, J. W. (2008). Experimental and analytical investigation of progressive collapse through demolition scenarios and computer modeling [Master Thesis]. North Carolina State University.
• Lupoae, M., and Bucur, C. (2009). Use of applied element method to simulate the collapse of a building. SISOM 2009 and Session of the Commission of Acoustics, 13–18.
• Muto, K. (1965). Strength and deformations of structures. Maruzen Co. Ltd.
• Okamura, H., and Maekawa, K. (1991). Nonlinear analysis and constitutive models of reinforced concrete. Gihodo Co. Ltd.
• Ristic, D., Yamada, Y., and Iemura, H. (1986). Stress-strain based modeling of hysteretic structures under earthquake induced bending and varying axial loads (Reseach Report 86-ST-01). School of Civil Engineering, Kyoto University.
• Syrian Code. (1995). Arabic Syrian Code for Design and Execution of Reinforced Building Structures. Syrian Engineers Union.
• Olabi, M. N. (2012). Practical analysis to remove multi-story low-rise building by modeling using Applied Element Method [Master thesis]. Damascsus University.