Progressive Collapse Analyses of 2D Steel Framed Structures with Different Connection Models

Progressive collapse is initiated by a local failure of an individual structural element that sheds additional loads on adjacent structural elements. A local failure can be defined as a loss of the load-carrying structural capacity. If any of the adjacent elements fails under the enhanced loads, additional collapses would progresses to other structural elements until a disproportionate part of the structure collapses. Therefore, it is essential to investigate the nature of progressive collapse that can result in a massive destruction of a structure. In this study, the finite element code ABAQUS/Explicit was validated and used for the analyses. 2D steel frames for various combinations of spans and stories with rigid, semi-rigid, and reinforced semi-rigid connections. This paper showed that the control of horizontal column buckling propagation is a key factor in preventing progressive collapse.