A Method for Modeling Successive Removal of Columns in Macromodeling Frameworks

چکیده مقاله

As a well-known technique, Alternate Path method (APM) has been widely used to evaluate progressive collapse potential of structures. This method investigates capability of structures to redistribute loads carried by a removed element in the remainder. However, in most cases the initiating event is so intensive that destroys more than one load bearing element. In case that the destruction of members does not occur concurrently, dynamic removal of columns in APM could not be correctly modeled in common macromodeling frameworks. This problem has caused progressive collapse analysis and design guidelines to define less element removal cases than has been expected. In this article, the method presented for modelling successive removal of columns is able to improve the guidelines to consider more realistic collapse scenarios. This method can be easily implemented by practicing engineers in commercial or open source programs. A simple case study is also defined to emphasize significance of the proposed method.