Research focuses on modeling the dynamic collapse of multistory steel and reinforced concrete buildings under initiating events such as column failure as a result of blast loading. In progressive collapse scenarios, structural members typically undergo large displacements and rotations, and connections are subjected to large tensile forces not anticipated in traditional designs. Accurate characterizations of the failure modes and the resulting nonlinear load-deformation behavior of connections in such scenarios are critical for determining whether or not a collapse can be arrested. Opportunities exist for (1) the development of simple yet accurate modeling approaches that enable rapid collapse analysis of large structural systems, (2) comparison and quantification of the progressive collapse resistance of different types of structural systems, and (3) development of performance criteria and methods to mitigate progressive structural collapse for both new and existing structures. Emphasis is placed on model validation against both high-fidelity finite element simulations and experimental tests of structural subassemblies.

 

key words

Blast loading; Computational modeling; Finite element methods; Reinforced concrete; Steel; Structural engineering;

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral applicants