Development of 3D Models of Steel Moment-Frame Buildings for Assessment of Robustness and Progressive Collapse Vulnerability

Published

April 30, 2009

Author(s)

Joseph A. Main, Fahim Sadek

Abstract

Several prototype steel moment-frame buildings have been designed for the purpose of assessing their reserve capacity and vulnerability to progressive collapse. Designs were developed for both seismic and non-seismic regions. This paper summarizes the development of three-dimensional finite element models of these prototype buildings, with a focus on the modeling approach used for the connections and the composite floor system. Initial simulation results under a column removal scenario are presented to illustrate the model capabilities. Vulnerability assessments using these models are part of a larger study aimed at quantifying and comparing the relative robustness of different structural systems.

Proceedings Title

Proceedings of the ASCE Structures Congress 2009

Conference Dates

April 30-May 2, 2009

Conference Location

Austin, TX

Conference Title

ASCE Structures Congress 2008

Pub Type

Conferences

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Keywords

progressive collapse, steel buildings, moment frame, seismic design, finite element modeling

Citation

Main, J. and Sadek, F. (2009), Development of 3D Models of Steel Moment-Frame Buildings for Assessment of Robustness and Progressive Collapse Vulnerability, Proceedings of the ASCE Structures Congress 2009, Austin, TX, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=901462 (Accessed October 9, 2025)