Progressive Collapse Analysis of RC Buildings against Internal Blast

Abstract

This paper seeks to explore the vulnerability of a typical reinforced concrete (RC) building against progressive collapse as a consequence of internal blast. The emphasis has been on the local model analysis for which two approaches – one involving the use of CONWEP and another using fluid-structure interaction through Alternate Lagrangian Eulerian (ALE) element formulation - have been employed. The finite element model of the structure was created using LS-DYNA, which uses explicit time integration algorithms for solution. The results of the study are proposed to be used to control or prevent progressive collapse of the building. In order to validate the employed numerical models, blast test results of a RC column available in literature were validated using LS-DYNA modeling of the RC column. The deformation response of the column was compared which showed acceptable prediction.