BEHAVIOUR OF REINFORCED CONCRETE STRUCTURE SUBJECTED TO BLAST LOADS

Abstract

Frequent unintentional explosions in industrial facilities and deliberate demolition of commercial buildings have resulted in significant financial damages, leading to increased demands on structural engineers to enhance blast resistance design methods. Therefore, comprehending the impact of blasts on structure performance is crucial. The study examined how a standard 21-storey reinforced concrete building structure responded to blast loads from TNT explosives of varying charge weights (100, 300, and 500 kg) at different standoff distances (10, 20, and 30 m). The research focused on the effects of structural walls at the core as well as peripheral infill walls. Using a three-dimensional finite element approach with nonlinear dynamic analysis via SAP2000 software based on Indian Standard specifications (IS:4991, 1968), key response parameters such as acceleration, displacements, and velocities were analyzed over time. It was observed that acceleration and velocity reached peak values earlier than displacement. The building’s blast resistance with structural walls was deemed satisfactory; furthermore, it improved with the installation of infill walls.