Progressive collapse modeling of a steel structure with composite slab using commercial finite element software

This paper presents a study on the modelling approaches for column loss scenarios using software that is widely available to structural engineers worldwide, with the goal of providing practical guidance to designers faced with the need or the opportunity to perform progressive collapse analyses. The presented study leverages recent experimental results on column removal in a composite frame obtained at the University of Trento. Comparisons between experimental data, results of high-definition finite element analyses, and the simulation results obtained using commercially available software are performed and conclusions are drawn based on the modelling approach used. Furthermore, a parametric study on various column loss scenarios in a prototype building is conducted and the results are compared with highdefinition model results in literature. It is concluded that the proposed modelling approach can be successfully used in practical cases, with results that are quite satisfactory both at the local and at the global level.