Abstract
In recent years, there has been a considerable increase in perceived risks of blast loading attacks or similar incidents on structures. Blast design is therefore a necessary aspect of the design for building structures globally and as such building design must adapt accordingly. Presented herein is an attempt to determine the numerical response of a seismically designed single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) structure to blast loading. The SDOF model in the form of a portal frame was designed to withstand a typical seismic occurrence in Northern Trinidad. Blast loads caused by applying a 500 kg charge weight of TNT at standoff distances of 45 m, 33 m, and 20 m were then applied to the model. The blast loading on the frame was determined using empirical methods. The analytical study showed that the seismically designed SDOF plane frame model entered the plastic region during the application of the blast load occurring up to the critical standoff distance.
Highlights
Previous to the 1960s, the design of structures based upon results of catastrophic events was reserved for facilities where accidental or chemical explosions could occur
This paper focused on the transient phase of the response since the forcing functions were basically impulse loads, and the steady state response dies off quickly
Design guidelines exist for the design of structures subjected to blast loads, they are rarely implemented in building design for conventional structures
Summary
Previous to the 1960s, the design of structures based upon results of catastrophic events was reserved for facilities where accidental or chemical explosions could occur. Blast design criteria and methods had just started to emerge in the late 1960s and initially as such did not include a detailed or reliable quantitative basis for assessing the structural implications of a structure subject to blast loads [1]. Catastrophic events such as the explosion that demolished the Alfred P. Terrorism has been an unfortunate reality and structural design for uncommon loads is critical. Acceptance criteria, and methods of analysis, for the most part, are classified for national security reasons and as such are not readily available to civilians [2]
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