A comparison of computational methods to predict the progressive collapse behaviour of a damaged box girder

The progressive collapse of a box beam under longitudinal bending can be predicted using various computational approaches, including finite element methodologies and the simplified progressive collapse method. These methodologies are employed to complete a series of analyses on three small box girders. The models are first analysed in the intact condition and then several damage scenarios are investigated. The results from the different computational approaches are compared to determine their relative performance. The study demonstrates the significance of residual stresses that are created during the damage simulation and are represented using differing assumptions in each of the compared methodologies.