Progressive colapse efect in reinforced concrete buildings

Progressive collapse is defined as the spread of an initial failure from element to element, eventually resulting in the collapse of an entire structure or a disproportionately large part of it according to ASCE (2002). It is a chain phenomenon where structural damage occurs in an amplified way due to the action of gravity or caused by some dynamic factor such as explosions.  Collapses of slabs on upper floors are very common caused by some dynamic fator or failures on reinforcements. The present paper aims to analyze the progressive collapse of concrete structures in commercial and residential buildings.  In this work, the dynamic background of progressive collapse are defined, the pathological aspects existing in buildings, as well as the calculation parameters used by Brazilian and international codes to prevent such pathologies. Real cases that occurred around the world are analyzed and how progressive collapse has been treated in recent decades. It is also suggested for cases in which the structure allows recovery, which procedures can be used.