Response of Semi-Buried Structures Subjected to Multiple Blast Loading Considering Soil–Structure Interaction

Abstract

Dynamic response of semi-buried structures subjected to non-contact multiple blast loadings resulting from conventional weapon detonation is investigated. The structure is modelled using shell elements, wherein, the effects of soil–structure interaction are incorporated by modelling the soil using frequency independent spring–dashpot–mass model. The strain rate sensitivity of structural steel material is considered using Johnson–Cook material model. A detailed investigation is carried out to understand the effects of standoff distance, explosive amount, strain rate and provision of stiffeners on the dynamic behaviour of semi-buried structure. The present investigation is focused on soil–structure interaction and multiple blasts which are the realistic scenarios. The finite element analysis is carried out using commercially available finite element package ABAQUS/Explicit V6.7. Results indicate that the buried depth of structure, soil–structure interaction and strain rate governs the dynamic behaviour of the structure. It is concluded that blast design of structure is governed by the time interval between successive blasts, and not merely by single blast of the given amount of explosive.