Abstract:
The performance of structures under blast loading conditions is attracting significant attention from researchers and engineers to ensure the safety of structures against terrorist attacks and accidental explosions. Time history analysis is considered a conventional method of blast load analysis. However, it is proposed by some researchers that in the early design stages, a simplified analysis approach can be adopted by considering the blast load as an equivalent static load. For the detailed analysis, a time history analysis can be performed. The present study compares the blast load response of a building obtained by an equivalent static blast load approach with that obtained by a dynamic analysis approach. A 3-storey reinforced concrete (RC) building designed for seismic load is considered for the investigation. To simulate different blast loading conditions, charge weights 1000 kg and 500 kg of TNT and standoff distances 5m, 10m, 15m, 30m, and 60m are considered. The response regarding base shear, maximum top storey displacement, and inter-story drift is compared. The results show that as the standoff distance increases and charge weight reduces, responses obtained by an equivalent static analysis approach are close to those obtained by dynamic analysis.
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