Weak-Axis Behavior of Wide Flange Columns Subjected to Blast
Publication: Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 140, Issue 5
Abstract
Much of past research in the civilian area on the response of civil structures to explosive loading has focused on large detonations in the far field that result in relatively uniform pressure distribution over the structure and specific structural elements. A paucity of research has been conducted that investigates the effect of explosive loading in close proximity to key structural elements. The studies that have been conducted focused primarily on loading perpendicular to the strong axis of bending that result in global deformation, but no rupture or loss of material. Through experimental testing and finite-element simulation, the present study investigates the effect of blast loading on wide flange columns loaded perpendicular to the weak axis of bending. This loading scenario is critical for such columns because the near field shock wave can rupture the web, and in some cases, lead to material loss; both conditions can potentially jeopardize the axial load carrying capacity of the column as a result of increased demands on flanges and possible local buckling of the unrestrained flanges. Therefore, this critical scenario needs to be considered for developing blast resistant measures or assessing the remaining axial and bending capacity of the column. Finite-element simulation can be used for this purpose; the analyses conducted as part of this study replicate, with reasonable accuracy, the experimentally obtained localized deformation, ruptures, and loss of material as a result of blast load, although the finite-element simulation is less successful at replicating the global deformation of the column.
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Acknowledgments
This work was supported in part by the Earthquake Engineering Research Centers Program of the National Science Foundation under Award Number ECC-9701471 to the Multidisciplinary Center for Earthquake Engineering Research. However, any opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations presented in this paper are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the sponsors. Special thanks are given to James C. Ray at the Eng. Research Dev. Center of the USACE for his help and assistance in the logistics of the experiments.
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© 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Sep 2, 2012
Accepted: Jul 23, 2013
Published online: Jul 25, 2013
Published in print: May 1, 2014
Discussion open until: May 19, 2014
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