Investigation of concrete structures with wasp nest dampers against explosive loads

Abstract

This research investigates the explosive behavior of reinforced concrete frames retrofitted with wasp nest dampers. One effective solution for minimizing structural damage is the implementation of dampers, which function by absorbing energy and thereby reducing damage resulting from applied loads. One of the relatively recent damper types used is the wasp nest damper. Due to the limited knowledge regarding the explosive behavior of these dampers within concrete frames, this study aims to comprehensively address their behavior under explosive conditions. This investigation examines various parameters, including wall thickness, the arrangement of dampers in rows and columns, and their influence on the explosive behavior of frames retrofitted with these dampers. To achieve this objective, six models were analyzed in this research, and their results were validated using Abaqus software. In all models, an explosive load equivalent to a 50-kilogram TNT explosion at a distance of 3 meters from the structure was applied. The analysis involved the measurement of displacements and stresses and the generation of contour plots depicting tensile and compressive damage within the structure. The variables under scrutiny in this study encompassed the thickness of the wasp nest damper walls and the number of rows and columns. The obtained results demonstrate that using wasp nest dampers can significantly mitigate damage from explosive loads on the structure. Furthermore, it was observed that increasing the thickness, columns, and rows of wasp nest dampers can enhance their performance and effectiveness.