Blast mitigation of RC column using polymeric foam

Abstract

In the present investigation, the effect of blast load on column of a multi-storied building is studied using Coupled Eulerian Lagrangian (CEL) method with the help of ABAQUS®/Explicit software. Concrete and reinforcement are modeled using Lagrangian formulation while explosive and air are modeled using Eulerian formulation. Jones-Wilkins-Lee (JWL) equation of state is used to define the behavior of TNT modeled herein. Response of the column is measured in terms of deflection at mid-height at varying TNT charge weights. Blast damage is mitigated by fitting the column with a layer of energy absorbing polymeric foam sandwiched with a steel sheet. Further, parametric analysis is conducted considering foam thickness and stand-off distance of the explosive from the column as variables. The results indicate that the displacement reduces significantly on application of foam on the column by absorbing the blast energy up to a considerable amount.