Protection Engineering Consultants
evaluates
steel connection performance
for disproportionate collapse
Spring Branch, Texas, March 1 -- Engineers at Protection Engineering consultants have completed work for the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) on the evaluation of test data for steel connections undergoing large deformations related to disproportionate collapse scenarios in buildings.
Tasked with assessing the performance of connections and structural elements in the DTRA Discrete Leto tests, PEC analyzed and evaluated test data to determine effects of blast on connection performance and to determine if current design procedures should be modified. Additionally, PEC sought to improve the accuracy of connection modeling to remove conservatism and increase the efficiency in structural design.
Task objectives were accomplished through data review and engineering analysis. Data sources included the DTRA Discrete Leto tests and seismic modeling provisions in ASCE 41-06, including FEMA 355D. Eurocode 3, which provides guidance for European connection design, was also consulted. An engineering assessment of the data yielded realistic values for critical parameters such as the rotational capacity and stiffness of the connections. These values, in turn, provide a basis for proposed revisions to the prescribed values for modeling parameters in Design of Buildings to Resist Progressive Collapse, Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC) 4-023-03 (2005) and Progressive Collapse Analysis and Design Guidelines for New Federal Office Buildings and Major Modernizations Projects (2003).
About Protection Engineering Consultants
Protection Engineering Consultants provides research, design and consulting services to enhance the physical protection of people, systems and the built environment. Working with government agencies, the design community and industry, PEC brings expertise in multi-hazard assessment and protective design to mitigate blast, ballistic and vehicular impact attacks and accidents. Through the application of established and novel scientific methodologies as well as government and industry best practices, Protection Engineering Consultants helps clients maximize the physical security of plant, property and people while preserving utility and aesthetics.
For additional information, contact:
Kirk Marchand, P.E.
Managing Principal
+1 512 380 1988
kmarchand@protection-consultants.com