Estimating safe scaled distances for columns subjected to blast

Abstract

This paper is concerned with determining the minimum stand-off distance required to prevent column failures in reinforced concrete framed buildings. This is of interest because column failures can initiate progressive collapse, resulting in mass casualties. A technique is developed to determine the critical range at which failure will occur for a given weight of explosives and thus provide a safe scaled distance. The method is used to carry out a parametric study of a range of reinforced concrete columns of variable dimensions and strengths. The corresponding data were used to predict safe scaled distances for columns (with and without clearing). These values can be used to estimate the minimum stand-off distance required to prevent progressive collapses of buildings that may be subjected to deliberate blast loading.