Use of Composite Reinforcement to Strengthen Concrete and Air-Entrained Concrete Masonry Walls against Air Blast

Abstract

Two concrete structures and three air-entrained concrete (AEC) masonry walls were subjected to two, high explosive detonations. The concrete structures were placed at a stand-off distance such that medium damage was expected. The stand-off distance of the AEC-masonry walls was reduced on each successive detonation until breaching occurred. The two concrete structures retrofitted with composite materials were subjected to air-blast loading at a stand-off distance of approximately 14.6 m. The structures were constructed such that each long side of the structure contained a wall retrofitted with a composite material and a wall left bare as a control. Both concrete structures exhibited less residual displacement on the walls strengthened with composite materials than the bare control walls.