Computational simulation of steel moment frame to resist progressive collapse in fire

Purpose: This paper aims to address a need for improving the structural resilience to multi-hazard threats including fire and progressive collapse caused by the loss of a column. Design/methodology/approach: The focus is on a steel moment frame that uses weldedunreinforced flange-bolted web connections between the beams and columns. A three-dimensional finite element (FE) model was created in ABAQUS with temperature-dependent properties for steel based on the Eurocode. The model was validated against experimental data at ambient and elevated temperature. Findings: The failure mechanisms in the FE model were consistent with experimental observations. Two scenarios were considered: fixed load with increasing temperature (i.e. simulating column failure prior to fire) and fixed temperature with increasing load (i.e. simulating column failure during fire). Originality/value: A macro element (or component-based) model was also introduced and validated against the FE model and the experimental data, offering the possibility of analyzing large-scale structural systems with reasonable accuracy and improved computational efficiency.