A design-oriented model for the collapse resistance of composite floors subjected to column loss

A design-oriented model is proposed for computing the load-resisting capacity of composite steel–concrete floors subjected to interior column loss. The model is based on the premise that floor collapse is resisted through the development of membrane action in the slab elements and catenary forces in the steel beams. A number of simplifying assumptions are made in the model pertaining to the deformed shape of the system, development of failure-resisting mechanisms, and overall system behavior. The proposed model is incremental in nature and tracks the evolution of damage in a floor system loaded up to failure. The model is shown to be able to capture the effect of influential variables on collapse resistance. Key limitations on the model are highlighted and discussed.