Improving the robustness of R.C. buildings by the activation of the elasto-plastic catenary behaviour

Abstract

According to the latest technical standards, the design capacity to survive actions even extraordinary (explosion, impact and consequences of human errors) is left to the owner. Nevertheless, the analysis of some collapses occurred in the last years shows that it is necessary to give sufficient robustness (i.e. ability of a structure to withstand events or consequences of human errors without being damaged to an extent disproportionate to the original cause) to every building. This fact is also confirmed by the possibility to protect human lives in extreme conditions, completely sacrificing the functionality, by simple measures, sometimes regarding detailing, without substantially increasing the cost of a structural system. In this scenario this article aims to propose a simplified numerical approach able to evaluate the amount of floor reinforcement necessary to activate the elasto-plastic catenary behaviour of R.C. floor slabs.