Component-Based Simulation on Progressive Collapse of a 2D-Framed Steel Structure Under Debris Impact

In this study, component-based models for FP joints and WUF-B joints were proposed and validated against impact tests. Then a steel-framed structure with 10-floor designed by NIST was studied by removing column method with the application of the models. The locations of the removed columns, including different floors and bays, and the number of the removed columns were considered as variables. The simulation results showed that removal of a column located at a lower floor, contrasted with that at a higher floor, can cause a larger increase of axial forces of the columns at the same floor with the removed ones. The vertical displacement at the removed columns decreased with the floor number decreasing. Since the gravity bay was more vulnerable than the moment bay, column removal at the transition area would lead to the greatest change of axial force occurring at the column belonging to the adjacent moment bay. In addition, a sufficient lumped mass was required to trigger the progressive collapse of structures.