Critical overview of blast resistance of different concrete types

Abstract

Past attacks against buildings and civil infrastructure highlight the need for blast-resistant structural materials. Numerous studies have been conducted on various related techniques and some design guidance has been developed to increase the resistance of structures to blast loading. Generally, a blast results in a high-amplitude impulse loading typically with a very short duration. Hence, the material's response to such loading will differ from its response to regular types of loading. Consequently, the analysis and design of structures subjected to blast loads require a full understanding of the behaviour of materials and structural elements under blast loading. This paper presents an overview of the behaviour of concrete elements subjected to blast loads. A critical discussion of the state of the art on blast resistance of conventional and modern concrete materials is provided, along with an overview of effective retrofitting and strengthening techniques.