Nima Usefi - M.Sc. graduate of structural engineering, Iran University of science and technology,
Amin Nooralizadeh - PhD student, University of Qom,
Reza Abbasnia - Professor, Civil Engineering Department, Iran University of science and technology,

Since the experimental tests for progressive collapse is time consuming and expensive, numerical and theoretical models are suitable alternatives for solving such problems, and have been the focus of attention by researchers in recent years. Hence, in this study a finite element method (FE) is proposed in order to evaluate the axial force of beams in a progressive collapse scenario. First, the proposed method is validated using experimental data. Then, using the validated FE method, 10 sub-assemblages are modeled and analyzed in order to evaluate their beam axial force at the time of progressive collapse. Results showed that there was a good agreement between numerical and experimental data and the proposed FE model is capable in estimating the axial force behavior of beams. In addition, this model could evaluate the axial force in Catenary Action region more precisely than Arc Action region. Graphical results also showed that the proposed FE model has the ability to show the compressive arc action and the start of catenary action.

Progressive collapse, Beam force, Axial force, Finite element (FE), ABAQUS