1 - Blast threats and blast loading

Abstract

This chapter provides a background on explosive substances and some of their important properties and describes a generic explosive device. Explosive effects – blast waves in free air, blast loading categories, and blast-induced load types – and considerations for threat determination are then covered to set the stage for practical blast load computation appropriate for initial design. Simple numerical examples are presented for the more common explosive threat scenarios that civil or mechanical engineers may face. Finally, additional resources are provided to assist the designer in achieving a satisfactory design.