Simulation methods for evaluating seismic collapse of structures

Evaluation seismic behaviour of structures and identification failure modes are the main parameters for performance-based designing of structures. Moreover, having knowledge of time and location of local failures initiation and collapse propagation in structures can be helped engineers for planning retrofitting strategies. For these purposes in this paper three numerical methods for seismic collapse simulation of structures are introduced: Explicit Dynamic Analysis with Finite Element Method, Finite-Discrete Element Method, and Applied Element Method. Abilities, advantages, disadvantages, and application of each method are explained. Results show that Explicit Dynamic Analysis with Finite Element Method can be used for simulating failure progress but can’t be considered effects of slabs impact during collapse process and so this method is not reliable for progressive collapse analysis. Finite-Discrete Element Method uses Explicit Dynamic Analysis for failure progress and uses Discrete Element Method for collapse propagation and considering effects of slabs impact during collapse process and so this method can be used for progressive collapse analysis. Applied Element Method uses small rigid elements and connecting springs between elements and can be simulated structural behaviour from start of loading till total collapse of structures with high accuracy and can be considered effects of slabs impact during collapse process and so this is efficient for progressive collapse analysis.