Numerical assessment of multistorey reinforced concrete framed structures subjected to blast loading using the Applied Element Method

Abstract

Explosions beside a structure can lead to severe damage in the building structural elements. There are number of factors that can cause loss of life and injuries such as structural collapse, fire, smoke, debris impact and direct blast effects. There are also indirect effects that need evacuation, which may cause additional casualties. During the last three decades, number of efforts has been made to reach new design to resist blast loads. Studies about the structural concrete behavior to blast loads have promoted understanding the role of structural details that affects on the behavior.

In current research, the behavior of a multistory reinforced concrete framed building consisting of 10 floors subjected to blast loading was numerically investigated using Applied Element Method. A three-dimensional fully nonlinear dynamic analysis was carried out, where the building subjected to external blast load. The effect of the blast weight, blast stand-off distance from building and the position of blast in front of building were investigated. The level of damage to the case study was evaluated and different strengthening techniques were investigated.

It was found that the AEM provides an economic solution for design and/or rehabilitation of reinforced concrete structures against blast loads. It was found also that the blast location and its distance from the building borders are the most significant factors affecting the structure. The proposed strengthening technique was found to be efficient and lead to mitigating the progressive collapse due to the blast loads.