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This paper presents the results of a global comparison between high strength steel and normal steel circular tube used to build steel and composite columns submitted to static loading, in regards with the economic aspects. The comparison is based on an optimum design taking into account the strength, stability and stiffness conditions of Eurocode 3 and 4. The automatic implementation of the algorithms allows achieving a high amount of case studies, covering the realistic possibilities of build columns. The investigations are realized on simple columns, columns included in braced or un-braced frames and whole frames. The field of application of high strength steel (vs normal steel), regarding the total cost of the member, is provided in a chart clearly indicating where the use of high strength steel becomes economic.

Recent events such as natural catastrophes or terrorism attacks have highlighted the necessity to ensure the structural integrity of buildings under exceptional events. For more than 10 years, the University of Liege is strongly involved in researches further investigating the response of structures to such exceptional events [1, 2]. The present paper gives a global overview on recent or on-going developments performed at the University of Liege in the field of robustness of steel building structures subjected to impact loading leading to the loss of a column. The conducted studies are founded on a combination of experimental, numerical and analytical approaches with the final aim to propose simplified procedures useful for practitioners and allowing ensuring an appropriate level of robustness to structures for the considered scenario.