Failure Mechanisms of Polymer-Reinforced Concrete Masonry Walls Subjected to Blast
Publication: Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 131, Issue 8
Abstract
Recent terrorist attacks indicate the improvised explosive device as the choice terror tactic. Over the past decade, the U.S. Department of Defense has encouraged and sponsored research toward developing methods of reinforcing structures to protect building occupants from the effects of external explosion. The focus of wall reinforcement research has recently shifted from applying stiff fiber-reinforced composites to using lower-strength higher-elongation elastomeric polymers that can be easily applied to the wall interior. This paper presents recent efforts that have demonstrated an innovative use of thin-membrane elastomeric polymers to prevent breaching and collapse of unreinforced masonry walls subjected to blast. The complex array of failure mechanisms observed from recent explosive tests is discussed. Effects of structural and nonstructural parameters are described with the aid of finite-element simulations. Finally, the needs and direction of future blast reinforcement developments are outlined.
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Acknowledgments
The tests described herein were conducted by the Force Protection Branch of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. The contributions of other team members, especially the assistance of Kenneth J. Knox, Principal Engineer and Joseph B. Jordan, Senior Engineer, of Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA), are gratefully acknowledged. The test synthesis was done by James D. Connell and Danica Thornburg as part of their MSCE thesis requirements at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and finite element analyses conducted by James D. Connell, Lee Moradi, and Sushant Sudame as part of their MSCE requirements at UAB. UAB team members are extremely grateful for the sponsorship and for the opportunity to collaborate with AFRL and ARA engineers.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 131 • Issue 8 • August 2005
Pages: 1194 - 1205
Copyright
© 2005 ASCE.
History
Received: Jan 29, 2004
Accepted: Nov 19, 2004
Published online: Aug 1, 2005
Published in print: Aug 2005
Notes
Note. Associate Editor: Barry Thomas Rosson
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