Effect of retrofit strategies on mitigating progressive collapse of steel frame structures

In this study, the effect of three retrofit strategies on enhancing the response of existing steel moment resisting frames designed for gravity loads is investigated using Alternate Path Methods (APM) recommended in the General Services Administration (GSA) and the Department of Defense (DoD) guidelines for resisting progressive collapse. The response is evaluated using 3-D nonlinear dynamic analysis. The studied models represent 6-bay by 3-bay 18-storey steel frames that are damaged by being subjected to six scenarios of sudden removal of one column in the ground floor. Four buildings with bay spans of 5.0 m, 6.0 m, 7.5 m, and 9.0 m were studied. The response of the damaged frames is evaluated when retrofitted using three approaches, namely, increasing the strength of the beams, increasing the stiffness of the beams, and increasing both strength and stiffness of the beams.The objective of this paper is to assess effectiveness of the studied retrofit strategies by evaluating the enhancement in three performance indicators which are chord rotation, tie forces, and displacement ductility demand for the beams of the studied building after being retrofitted.