Effect of Combined Blast and Fragment Loading on RC Wall and Its Mitigation Using Composite Sections
Publication: Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 37, Issue 5
Abstract
The damages incurred in RC walls subjected to combined loading of blast and fragment as a result of a cased-charge detonation are studied here using the finite-element (FE) analysis method. A series of FE analyses were performed to estimate the intricate effects of cased explosive charges on severe crushing of concrete leading to spalling, penetration, or even scabbing and perforation in concrete. An increase in fragment penetration and perforation was noted under combined loading of blast and fragment compared with fragment loading alone, which highlights its severity. Subsequently, the response of RC walls of different thicknesses and concrete compressive strengths under different cased loadings and fragment shapes was also studied. Results showed that the response of the RC wall is considerably affected by charge weight, casing weight, concrete compressive strength, wall thickness, and fragment shape. The spherical end fragment penetration under combined loading of blast and fragment was noted to increase by 5.4%–23.1% compared with similar fragment loading alone, considering different concrete strengths. Moreover, based on the numerical study, the empirical relation of fragment penetration is modified and proposed to include the effect of explosive charge and casing weight. The measures to prevent excessive scabbing and concrete perforation using composite sections of concrete-steel and concrete-sand-steel, respectively, are also presented. This study emphasizes the importance of considering combined blast and fragment loading of protective structures and its mitigation using composite sections.
Practical Applications
The results of the present study may provide guidance for the analysis and design of reinforced concrete walls that are subjected to combined loading of blast and fragments because these walls are primarily designed for civil and military protective infrastructures to withstand accidental or intentional blast loadings. The results highlighting the performance efficiency of the composite sections in mitigating the combined effect of blast and fragment loading may provide further guidance on their practical applicability in military protective infrastructures.
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Data Availability Statement
Some or all data, models, or codes that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Acknowledgments
This research is supported by the DRDO-IITD Joint Advanced Technology Centre (JATC), India under the research vertical Advanced Ballistic, Special Structure and Protection Technologies (ABSSP10-RP03429), which is gratefully acknowledged.
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Published In
Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 37 • Issue 5 • October 2023
Copyright
© 2023 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Sep 26, 2022
Accepted: May 8, 2023
Published online: Jun 27, 2023
Published in print: Oct 1, 2023
Discussion open until: Nov 27, 2023
ASCE Technical Topics:
- Blasting effects
- Composite materials
- Compressive strength
- Concrete
- Continuum mechanics
- Design (by type)
- Dynamics (solid mechanics)
- Engineering fundamentals
- Engineering materials (by type)
- Engineering mechanics
- Finite element method
- Load factors
- Material mechanics
- Material properties
- Materials engineering
- Methodology (by type)
- Numerical methods
- Reinforced concrete
- Solid mechanics
- Strength of materials
- Structural design
- Structural dynamics
- Structural engineering
- Structural members
- Structural systems
- Walls
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