Beam–column element for non-linear dynamic analysis of steel members subjected to blast loading

Abstract This paper addresses an innovative semi-analytical non-discretisation numerical methodology for the non-linear dynamic analysis of steel beam–column elements subjected to loading produced by an explosion. For the mechanical-based formulation, the steel beam–column member is modelled as being restrained at its ends by translational and counterpart rotational springs which simulate semi-rigid joints in a frame. The modelling of the cross-section as comprising of elastic and inelastic domains allows for the spread of yielding to be modelled accurately, whilst the effects of large displacements and the rate-dependent effect of steel material due to rapid dynamic loading is taken into account. The generic steel beam–column element that is developed is shown to agree well with solutions given by finite element modelling using ABAQUS, while providing a computationally superior formulation to that of commercial finite element packages. In addition, it provides a more efficacious formulation to those of conventional plastic zone and plastic hinge methods, while it has the potential to be used as a platform for structural analysis and design in which scenarios of progressive collapse are important.

[1]  P. J. Dowling,et al.  An integrated adaptive environment for fire and explosion analysis of steel frames — Part I:: analytical models , 2000 .

[2]  B. A. Izzuddin,et al.  Rate-sensitive analysis of framed structures Part I: model formulation and verification , 1997 .

[3]  Theodor Krauthammer,et al.  Finite element analysis of steel beam to column connections subjected to blast loads , 2005 .

[4]  John Hetherington,et al.  Blast and ballistic loading of structures , 1994 .

[5]  Hong Chen,et al.  Explosion and Fire Analysis of Steel Frames Using Mixed Element Approach , 2005 .

[6]  M. P. Byfield.  Behavior and Design of Commercial Multistory Buildings Subjected to Blast , 2006 .

[7]  David A. Nethercot,et al.  Progressive collapse of multi-storey buildings due to sudden column loss—Part II: Application , 2008 .

[8]  P. Perzyna.  Fundamental Problems in Viscoplasticity , 1966 .

[9]  Amr S. Elnashai,et al.  An integrated adaptive environment for fire and explosion analysis of steel frames — Part II:: verification and application , 2000 .

[10]  Graham Schleyer,et al.  Inelastic deformation and failure of profiled stainless steel blast wall panels. Part II: analytical modelling considerations , 2005 .

[11]  T. T. Lie,et al.  Structural fire protection , 1992 .

[12]  David A. Nethercot,et al.  Progressive collapse of multi-storey buildings due to sudden column loss — Part I: Simplified assessment framework , 2008 .

[13]  J. B. Martin,et al.  Predictions of permanent deformation of impulsively loaded simply supported square tube steel beams , 1985 .

[14]  Hong Chen,et al.  EXPLOSION AND FIRE ANALYSIS OF STEEL FRAMES USING FIBER ELEMENT APPROACH , 2004 .

[15]  Amin Heidarpour,et al.  Non-discretisation formulation for the non-linear analysis of semi-rigid steel frames at elevated temperatures , 2010 .

[16]  S. R. Bodner,et al.  PLASTIC DEFORMATIONS IN IMPACT AND IMPULSIVE LOADING OF BEAMS , 1960 .

[17]  Raphael H. Grzebieta,et al.  Numerical modelling of square tubular steel beams subjected to transverse blast loads , 2009 .

[18]  David A. Nethercot,et al.  Progressive collapse of multi-storey buildings due to failed floor impact , 2009 .

[19]  J. B. Martin,et al.  The permanent deformation of a portal frame subjected to a transverse impulse , 1969 .

[20]  Nathan M. Newmark,et al.  A Method of Computation for Structural Dynamics , 1959 .

[21]  Mark A. Bradford,et al.  Generic nonlinear modelling of restrained steel beams at elevated temperatures , 2009 .

[22]  Luke A. Louca,et al.  Improving the ductile behaviour of offshore topside structures under extreme loads , 2008 .

[23]  J. Y. Richard Liew,et al.  Survivability of steel frame structures subject to blast and fire , 2008 .