Application of Normalized Pressure Impulse Diagrams for Vented and Unvented Confined Blasts
Publication: Journal of Engineering Mechanics
Volume 140, Issue 3
Abstract
A pressure impulse (PI) diagram is a tool typically used for the preliminary design of structural members against external blasts. Using single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) theory, numerous studies have been conducted on PI curves for structural members subjected to idealized pulse loads typically associated with free field blasts. However, owing to the complex nature of confined blasts, characterized by multiple peaks and long-lasting gas pressures, PI curves derived for such pulse loads cannot be applied to confined blasts. As the confinement magnifies the effects of a blast, resulting in more serious damage to surrounding structural members, such effects should be taken into consideration when using analysis and design tools. Therefore, a new approach for deriving PI curves was applied to confined blasts. First, the approach was used to derive PI curves for pulse loads associated with vented confined blasts. The PI curves derived using the new approach were compared to those using traditional techniques. Then, to determine the response of structural members to unvented confined blasts, in which regular PI curves cannot be used, a new technique was provided. The technique utilizes the concept of the effective pulse load to determine effective PI curves.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Engineering Mechanics
Volume 140 • Issue 3 • March 2014
Pages: 593 - 603
Copyright
© 2014 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jan 16, 2013
Accepted: Jun 4, 2013
Published online: Jun 6, 2013
Published in print: Mar 1, 2014
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