Abstract
The response of masonry structures to explosions cannot be exclusively investigated relying only on numerical and analytical tools. Experimental tests are of paramount importance for improving current understanding and validating existing models. However, experiments involving blast scenarios are, at present, partial and limited in number compared to tests under different dynamic conditions, such as earthquakes. The reason for lies in the fact that full-scale blast experiments present many difficulties, mainly due to the nature of loading action. In constrast, experiments on a reduced scale offer greater flexibility. Nevertheless, appropriate scaling laws for the response of masonry structures under blast excitations are needed before such tests are performed. We propose here new scaling laws for the dynamic, rigid-body response, and structural failure modes (e.g., overturning) of masonry structures under blast loads. This work grows out of previous studies, where closed-form solutions for the rocking response of slender blocks due to explosions were derived and validated against numerical and experimental tests. The proposed scaling laws are validated here with detailed numerical simulations accounting for combined rocking, uplifting, and sliding mechanisms of monolithic structures. Then the application to blocky masonry structures is studied. Multidrum stone columns are considered as examples for the application of scaling laws. In particular, we show that, despite the presence of complex behaviors, such as wobbling and impacts, similarity is assured.
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Data Availability Statement
All data, models, or code that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to acknowledge Professor Paolo Vannucci (LMV, UMR 8100, Université de Versailles et Saint-Quentin) for various discussions relating to dynamics and blast loading of structures.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Engineering Mechanics
Volume 147 • Issue 10 • October 2021
Copyright
© 2021 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Nov 20, 2020
Accepted: May 11, 2021
Published online: Aug 10, 2021
Published in print: Oct 1, 2021
Discussion open until: Jan 10, 2022
ASCE Technical Topics:
- Analysis (by type)
- Blasting effects
- Construction (by type)
- Construction engineering
- Continuum mechanics
- Design (by type)
- Dynamics (solid mechanics)
- Engineering fundamentals
- Engineering mechanics
- Environmental engineering
- Fouling
- Load factors
- Masonry
- Numerical analysis
- Rigid body dynamics
- Solid mechanics
- Structural analysis
- Structural design
- Structural dynamics
- Structural engineering
- Structural response
- Waste management
- Waste treatment
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Cited by
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- Max Sieber, Michalis F. Vassiliou, Ioannis Anastasopoulos, Intensity measures, fragility analysis and dimensionality reduction of rocking under far‐field ground motions, Earthquake Engineering & Structural Dynamics, 10.1002/eqe.3740, 51, 15, (3639-3657), (2022).
- Antonios A. Katsamakas, Michalis F. Vassiliou, Finite element modeling of free‐standing cylindrical columns under seismic excitation, Earthquake Engineering & Structural Dynamics, 10.1002/eqe.3651, 51, 9, (2016-2035), (2022).
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