Quantifying Inherent Robustness in Structural Steel Framing Systems

Abstract

Many analytical efforts to date only consider components found in the structural steel skeleton. Furthermore, the analytical models assumed that pin-connected beams and girders existed at interior columns and these analytical models did not support analysis considering ineffective interior columns, interior girders, exterior girders, or in-fill beams. If robustness in the structural steel framing system is to be quantified, the analyses must go beyond the simple removal of columns around the perimeter of the framework. The objectives of this paper are to provide a brief overview of the methodologies that have been proposed and validated via experimental testing for quantifying the catenary and membrane mechanisms in concrete floor framing systems; and outline a new methodology for quantifying the membrane and catenary capacity in structural steel floor framing systems along with high-level provisions for ensuring structural integrity through the preservation of catenary and membrane action. Membrane Action in Concrete Floor Systems