Performance of Low-yield Strength Plates in Beam-column Connections against Progressive Collapse

In many studies about progressive collapse in steel moment frames, the effect of connections in all of structural frames has not been investigated. This is while the connections can have a significant impact on structure behavior against abnormal loads. This study highlights the effect of mechanical and geometric properties of beam-column connections in steel moment frames against progressive collapse. For this purpose, variable parameters include beam-column connection type (Welded Flange Plate connection or WFP and Welded Unreinforced Flange-Welded web connection or WUF-W), mechanical properties of beam-column connection (St37 building steel and low-yield strength plates) and the column removal location in different stories (without removing column and removing column on the ground, first and second floors). Three-storey steel frames which are designed to withstand earthquakes are examined. Finite element ABAQUS software is used for simulation. Moreover, the alternative load path method in which the structure response is examined against the column removal is used to evaluate steel frames response against progressive collapse. The results show that the use of low-yield strength steel plates depending on connection type can be efficient in improving the behavior of steel moment frames against progressive collapse.