Enhanced Robustness in Steel Buildings Subjected to Column Loss
© Department of Defense (DoD) (2009), Design of building to resist progressive collapse, UFC 4- 023-03, Washington, D.C.
Gustavo Cortés Seminar - Friday, July 14th 2017, 16h30 - Room GC C2 413
Abstract: Gravity frames in steel buildings use simple connections designed to support gravity loads primarily in shear. Under column loss scenarios, large axial loads several times the shear demand can develop at these connections. Recent work has shown that these connections may not be capable of resisting these loads. This presentation will provide a summary of work done towards increasing robustness in steel buildings subject to column loss, and consequently possible disproportionate collapse. The presentation will focus on two possible solutions towards increasing robustness: (1) using stiff-story framing solutions, and (2) using enhanced gravity connections.
The stiff-story concept will be presented first, including prototype buildings studied by means of linear static alternate path analysis following the UFC 4-023-03 Design of Buildings to Resist Progressive Collapse (DoD, 2009). An experimental program that studied typical gravity connections and enhanced gravity connections will then be presented. Both solutions proved capable of increasing robustness in steel buildings when applied correctly.
Gustavo Cortés holds a bachelor's and a master’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, and a doctorate degree in Structural Engineering from Purdue University.
Biography: Gustavo is a licensed engineer in the state of Texas with experience in private practice, but also has an extensive research and education background, including post doctorate work at the EPFL and teaching as an assistant professor and then an associate professor at LeTourneau University in Texas. Examples of his research include: developing a new lateral force resisting system for zones of high seismicity, called the Steel Slit Panel System; studying the steel welded connection found at the shell-base connection in large gasoline steel storage tanks; studying steel buildings under column loss (disproportionate collapse); studying shelter used in a humanitarian context.
Gustavo joined Medair, a humanitarian Swiss NGO, as their senior infrastructure advisor. His job includes supporting country programs in the design and construction of buildings and infrastructure.
