A mathematical programming computational model for disproportionate collapse analysis of steel building frames

Disproportionate collapse analysis aims to assure that frames, a common structural system of buildings, can survive unforeseen local events and a central modeling tool of such abnormal deterioration is the concept of column loss. This paper formulates an appropriate computational model on the basis of mathematical optimization, using the collapse load analysis problem of steel frames with pre-existing damage. A respective collapse load robustness measure is proposed. The model has the ability to consider both full and partial column/node removals. It renders to be a linear programming model, if the US steel design regulations are used. A practical example is presented and several aspects are discussed.