A Philosophy for Blast Resistant Design

Abstract

This chapter proposes a formalized procedure for blast resistant design. It involves identification of the various types and magnitudes of blast loading, analytical requirements, and design methods. It recommends the grouping of structures into four categories in terms of their vulnerability and sensitivity to blasts to have an ordered approach for each category in terms of blast loading, analysis, design, and detailing requirements. This chapter proposes to deal with blast effects only at the ultimate limit state (ULS). The design and detailing procedures advocated will automatically ensure a high level of serviceability of the structure when subjected to blasts smaller than those designed for at the ULS. It is recommended that these measures be kept as simple as possible but at the same time produce structures with substantially higher blast resistance. The time has come to do something constructive about practical recommendations to assist the design engineer to render structures more blast resistant.