Structural Connections of Steel Building Frames under Extreme Loading

Resistance to progressive collapse under extreme loading is a measure of the structural robustness, and relies primarily on resistance of key elements, continuity between elements and ductility of elements and their connections. In case some hazards occur simultaneously or consecutively in a very short period of time, e.g. fire after explosion or impact, the capacity of the members and connections can be exceeded and this can initiate the progressive collapse of the structure. The paper presents the results of a research program that focused on the ultimate capacity of connection macro-components under large deformation demands and different loading rates. The specimens were extracted from extended end plate bolted beam-to-column connections with different strength and stiffness ratios to the beams.