Progressive collapse analysis of high-rise building with 3-D finite element modeling method

Using the general purpose finite element package ABAQUS, a 3-D finite element model representing 20 storey buildings were first built in this paper to perform the progressive collapse analysis. Shell elements and beam elements were used to simulate the whole building incorporating non-linear material characteristics and non-linear geometric behavior. The modeling techniques were described in detail. Numerical results are compared with the experimental data and good agreement is obtained. Using this model, the structural behavior of the building under the sudden loss of columns for different structural systems and different scenarios of column removal were assessed in detail. The models accurately displayed the overall behavior of the 20 storey buildings under the sudden loss of columns, which provided important information for the additional design guidance on progressive collapse.