The total UK consumption of constructional steel in 2021 rose by 16.9% to 803,000 tonnes. Progressive collapse, catastrophic event with devastating consequences for human life, economic stability, and societal well-being, has been highlighted in several incidents, including the partial collapse of the Champlain Towers in 2021. The rotational capacity of steel connections is crucial for ensuring the resilience of steel structures against progressive collapse. However, for most steel connections, their rotational capacity remains analytically undetermined, which may lead to the inaccurate estimation of the resistance of structures to progressive collapse.Our project aims to enhance the quantification of the role of connections in the progressive collapse resistance of steel structures through a combination of analytical and numerical investigations. Analytical models will be developed to characterize the moment-rotation curves of various steel connections, taking into account their rotation capacity, material type, and configuration. These curves will then be incorporated into finite element simulations to conduct reliability analyses and assess the resilience of steel frames under different connection scenarios. Additionally, these simulations will explore the influence of connection failure modes on load redistribution.The outcomes of this research are expected to significantly enhance the understanding of the role of connections in the progressive collapse of steel structures. The research will provide comprehensive guidelines for designing connections to optimize progressive collapse resistance. The project will also improve design standards and building codes for progressive collapse prevention in steel structures.
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