Issue 78

D. D. Joshi et alii, Fracture and Structural Integrity, 78 (2026) 315-345; DOI: 10.3221/IGF-ESIS.78-19

The performance of these techniques has been investigated through studies on both reduced-scale and full-scale specimens through experimental, numerical and analytical approaches. Specimen types range from planar beam-column frame assemblies to three-dimensional (3D) beam-column-slab substructures. In addition, building level retrofitting strategies such as the inclusion of additional structural elements (e.g. beams, shear walls, prestressing tendons etc.) and modification of member dimensions have also been considered to enhance overall robustness against progressive collapse. Among the available strengthening techniques, FRP materials particularly in the form of externally bonded reinforcement have been widely adopted. However, issues related to debonding of FRP materials from the concrete surface and degraded performance at elevated temperatures, especially during fire exposure, remain key concerns. In this context, stainless-steel wire mesh may represent a potential, cost-effective alternative for structural strengthening. Previous studies have examined its feasibility and reported improvements in the performance of various structural elements under different loading conditions. However, feasibility of SSWM strengthening to enhance progressive collapse resistance of RC and precast elements is relatively less explored. Thus, the review highlights the need to examine the effectiveness of SSWM, for strengthening RC and precast beam-column assemblies under progressive collapse scenarios. The review also identifies key research gaps and outlines directions for future work related to SSWM strengthening. There is a considerable scope to further establish SSWM as a widely accepted strengthening material through studies on full-scale specimens with varied geometries, the use of alternative adhesives, long-term durability and corrosion resistance and hybrid configurations combining SSWM with FRP. Detailed experimental, numerical and analytical investigations would support the development of design frameworks and practical guidelines for structural strengthening using SSWM. Such studies could facilitate wider adoption of SSWM for strengthening and provide useful guidance for both practicing engineers and researchers. A CKNOWLEDGEMENT uthors would like to gratefully acknowledge the financial support received from Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) in form of funded project (File No. - SUR/2022/000679) under the scheme of State University Research Excellence (SERB-SURE). [3] Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC). (2013). Design of Buildings To Resist Progressive Collapse, Washington, D.C., USA. [4] National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). (2007). Best practices for reducing the potential for progressive collapse in buildings, Department of Commerce, Gaithersburg, MD, USA. [5] Elkady, N., Nelson, L.A., Weekes, L., Makoond, N. and Buitrago, M. (2024). Progressive collapse: Past, present, future and beyond, Structures, 62, pp. 106131-1-38. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.istruc.2024.106131. [6] 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, pp. 110061-1-21, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2019.110061. [7] Alshaikh, I. M. H., Abadel, A. A. and Alrubaidi, M. (2022). Precast RC structures’ progressive collapse resistance: Current knowledge and future requirements, Structures, 37, pp. 338-352, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.istruc.2021.12.086. [8] 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, pp. 881-900, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.istruc.2020.03.018. [9] Adam, J. M., Parisi, F., Sagaseta, J., Lu, X. (2018). Research and practice on progressive collapse and robustness of building structures in the 21st century, Engineering Structures, 173, pp. 122-149, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2018.06.082. [10] Kiakojouri, F., De Biagi, V., Chiaia, B. and Sheidaii, M.R. (2022). Strengthening and retrofitting techniques to mitigate progressive collapse: A critical review and future research agenda, Engineering Structures, 262, pp. 114274-1-25. A R EFERENCES [1] ASCE/SEI 7-05. (2005). Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures, vol. ASCE/SEI 7, American Society of Civil Engineers, Reston, VA, USA. [2] U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). (2003). Progressive Collapse Analysis and Design Guidelines for New Federal Office Buildings and Major Modernization Projects, Washington, D.C.

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