Fully coupled modelling technique for blast analysis of cable truss facades

Abstract

This paper develops and applies a fully coupled fluid–structure interaction technique to analyse the blast response of cable truss facade (CTF). This technique models the explosive source, blast wave propagation and interactive behaviour of blast pressure with the structure and enables to evaluate the effects of load related parameters. Modelling techniques are verified with experimental and numerical results and then used to analyse the blast induced shock wave propagation through air and the response of the CTF. Effects of load related parameters of charge weight, standoff distance and height of explosive from the ground are investigated. Limits on the load related parameters and the maximum allowable cable deflection are identified based on results to enable a safe design of the CTF. The combined effects of charge weight, standoff distance and height from the ground that produce similar failure patterns can be used to present the results in the form of Pressure- Impulse (P-I) diagrams. They are iso-damage curves based on blast pressure and impulse that produce similar damage in the structural component of interest. A damage criterion based on axial load carrying capacity, to initiate the development of P-I diagrams for CTF is proposed. The validated fully coupled modelling techniques presented in this paper provide an important source for generating information in the blast design field and for determining the blast behaviour of CTFs. The results can be used to determine the limits on the load related parameters and the maximum allowable cable deflection to enable safe blast designs of the CTFs.