Analysis of Progressive Collapse of Complex Structures.
Abstract
The principal goal of the study was to evaluate an analytical procedure for predicting progressive collapse in damaged complex structures. A structure was modeled for analysis by the finite element method using relatively large, simple elements. There was little or no refinement of mesh size in areas of initial damage or damage propagation. A method was developed for determining and applying allowable stresses to help compensate for the absence of model detail. Stress results of a finite element analysis were examined by a computer post-processor program written for this study to make selective changes to the finite element model. The modified model was analyzed using the finite element method and the procedure was repeated in an iterative fashion to predict progressive collapse. Analytical results were compared to experimental test data to determine the validity of the analytical procedure. The analytical procedure provided a relatively economical method for predicting progressive collapse in a complex structure. Evaluation of a complex structure subjected to three initial damage conditions showed acceptable correlation between experimental and analytical results. The method of determining appropriate allowable stresses was general enough to apply to a wide range of materials and structures. The procedure proved to be an economical estimating tool for predicting residual structural strength. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1982
- Accession Number
- ADA125266
Entities
People
- Gregory Edward Riggs
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology