Abstract
The prototype or experimental study of blast effect on structures is not always possible due to high risk of life and environmental wellbeing. However, advancement in computational science had made it possible to solve such complex and risky problems. Researchers in the past few decades have presented ample computational and numerical studies on blast effect on masonry structure using deterministic approach. The studies have neglected the effect of various uncertainties that may perhaps occur during an actual blast scenario. Therefore, in present study probabilistic Finite Element (FE) analysis was performed on three statistically stable masonry infill RC (Reinforced Concrete) frames having single (G+0), two (G+1) and three (G+2) storey levels respectively to arrive at the blast fragility curves. The probability of failure was computed based on the inelastic tension damage curves developed for the masonry. The effect of scaled distance and different storey levels on blast vulnerability of masonry infill RC frame walls are investigated through these fragility curves. The results indicate a noteworthy effect of scaled distance and storey levels on the blast resistance of the structure. Frame G+0 is found to be comparatively more vulnerable against the blast load effect than other multi-storey frames. The critical value of scaled distance (Z<sub>critical</sub>) corresponding to PF 90% in panel P1 was found as 6.67m/kg<sup>1/3</sup>, 4.81m/kg<sup>1/3</sup> and 4.66m/kg<sup>1/3</sup> respectively of frames G+0, G+1 and G+2; in panel P2 was found as 4.3m/kg<sup>1/3</sup> and 4.6m/kg<sup>1/3</sup> respectively of frames G+2 and G+3 and; in panel P3 was found as 4.32 m/kg<sup>1/3</sup> of frame G+3. It is also observed that RC frame is negligibly affected with respect to the masonry panel in terms of blast load mitigation.
Highlights
Masonry infill frames can be very frequently seen in all types of low, medium and high-rise structures over entire world
Due to lack of studies on probabilistic analysis of masonry against the action of blast the present study aims to investigate the probabilistic behaviour of three statistically stable masonry infill RC frames having single (G+0), two (G+1) and three (G+2) storey levels respectively against the action of blast
The frame consists of two masonry infill panels P1 and P2 at ground level and at second storey level respectively
Summary
Masonry infill frames can be very frequently seen in all types of low, medium and high-rise structures over entire world. The choice of masonry infill is justifiable because of its low cost, easy availability, excellent heat and acoustic insulation and good aesthetic appearance. Masonry constructions work incredibly great under static conditions but when subjected to dynamic forces (such as, earthquake, wind, impact or blast) they show poor resistance against such loading environment. Laboratory and prototype study of masonry subjected to earthquake, wind and impact is relatively easy. The experimental study of masonry under the action of blast phenomenon is quiet a risky and restrictive work area to perform ; it has been studied by few researchers in the past [5, 28, 32]. The computational advancement has provided softwares like LS-DYNA, ABAQUS, CONWEP etc. that can effectively simulate blast vulnerability
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