Shear connection modelling for column removal analysis

Although methods for modelling steel shear connections under column removal scenarios are available in widely-used design guidelines, they tend to be based on earthquake engineering research rather than research examining scenarios relevant to progressive collapse. Even where these have been adapted explicitly for this new purpose, they take a form that does not account for the true connection behaviour under this unique loading regime. This paper describes an accurate mechanical model that has been developed based on observations from a comprehensive testing programme designed specifically to study the behaviour of steel shear connections under column removal scenarios. The model is used to assess the influences of key parameters and develop a simple single-spring model practical for use in full-building collapse analyses.