Optimum design of steel structures under the effect of progressive collapse

In this study, the optimum design of steel structures against progressive collapse and the effects of progressive collapse constraints on the steel frame were investigated. Alternative path method nonlinear dynamic procedure was used to analyze the removal scenarios for the design against progressive collapse. Simulated Annealing and Teaching-Learning Based Optimization algorithms are used for optimum design of frames. In addition, these algorithms were improved in the context of structural optimization; they are named Guided Simulated Annealing and Teaching-Learning Based Optimization with Elite Generation algorithms. A software in C# language was developed for the implementation of the algorithms. The communication between the developed software and SAP2000 is conducted via the Open Application Programming Interface (OAPI). In addition, the analysis duration suggested for the nonlinear dynamic procedure was investigated, and the effects of different constraints on the design were investigated. As a result of the study, it has been seen that the improved versions of the algorithms produce lighter frame weights compared to the original algorithms. The analysis duration recommended for the nonlinear dynamic procedure may be insufficient under specific conditions. It has been observed that the effects of progressive collapse constraints on the design differ significantly from seismic constraints.