Behaviour of Reinforced Concrete Structural Members Under the Influence of Implicit Blast Loading

Abstract

Structures are designed to last for a generation. Due to intricate behaviour and response of structures reduces life drastically. The study of responses to various loading conditions gives us a better understanding of loading. A better understanding of loading conditions can improve the life of the structure. Unconventional loadings have always been difficult to study and predict their influence on a structure. Blast loading has always been difficult to understand as there is a bridge between theories and computing software to replicate the blast effect on the structure. A simple and effective approach has been studied so as to reduce the complexity and increase the efficiency of blast load analysis. Implicit nature of blast load has been considered in the study for simplicity of calculation and economical application of blast resistance to structures. ABAQUS software has been used to replicate the blast effect on structural members and parameters have been suggested by Indian Standards for blast loading. The study aims to provide a better and easy understanding of blast load analysis. It also compares the efficiency of members designed to withstand conventional loads and design suggestions which would improve the efficiency of members subjected to blast loading. Mass as a measure of inertial force has been considered as a parameter for design suggestion. Design suggestions are based on trial and error method.

Keywords: Behaviour, Response, Loading conditions, ABAQUS, Efficiency, Design suggestions