Building Structural Design: Blast Analysis and Progressive Collapse Control

A special issue of Buildings (ISSN 2075-5309). This special issue belongs to the section "Building Structures".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2025 | Viewed by 12586

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Technion—Israel Institute of Technology, Technion City, Haifa 32000, Israel
Interests: protection of structures; blast analysis; effects of explosives; analysis of reinforced concrete structures
Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S1 3JD, UK
Interests: blast loading; experimentation; machine learning; fast-running engineering models; complex blast

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Structures designed for extreme loads such as blast and impact are considered ‘protective structures’. However, structures that are not explicitly designed for such loads may still be exposed to extreme events such as blasts and impacts, with the risk of local failure escalating to progressive collapse. Therefore, the need for studies on the behaviour of structures under blast loads and progressive collapse scenarios is essential. The response of structures and infrastructures under these dynamic loads, including the structural damage and prevention of progressive collapse, is specifically of interest.

In this Special Issue, we invite the research community to propose and present novel scientific and engineering studies, projects, case studies, reviews and analysis methods.

The scope of this Special Issue includes all broad areas of the dynamic response of structures to blast loads and analysis and design aspects of progressive collapse. We welcome submissions that include (but are not limited to) experimental studies, review papers, engineering-level models, analysis and design approaches, theoretical and analytical models and finite element analysis.

Dr. Hezi Grisaro
Dr. Sam Rigby
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • progressive collapse
  • blast loads
  • impact loads
  • protective structures
  • dynamic analysis
  • explosions
  • column removal
  • reinforced concrete
  • steel structures

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

23 pages, 18714 KiB  
Article
Experimental and Theoretical Study on Local Damage of Reinforced Concrete Column under Rectangular Charge
by Qiuyang Wang, Xin Jia, Zhengxiang Huang, Taian Chen and Yujie Shi
Buildings 2024, 14(10), 3229; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14103229 - 11 Oct 2024
Viewed by 493
Abstract
During an explosion, a building’s stability is directly impacted by reinforced concrete (RC) columns. However, there is currently no theoretical analysis model that can precisely predict damage to RC columns after close-in/contact explosions. In the present study, the local damage response of RC [...] Read more.
During an explosion, a building’s stability is directly impacted by reinforced concrete (RC) columns. However, there is currently no theoretical analysis model that can precisely predict damage to RC columns after close-in/contact explosions. In the present study, the local damage response of RC columns under a rectangular charge was experimentally and numerically investigated, and a theoretical analysis model for predicting local damage after a contact explosion was developed. The experimental results verify the effects of concrete strength, standoff distance, transverse reinforcement spacing, and axial load on damage to RC columns. When the standoff is 100 mm, increasing the axial load can effectively reduce the damage to the center of the column surface. Numerical simulations were carried out to study the effect of different parameters on concrete damage, showing that the damage span of reinforced concrete increases with increased stirrup distance; however, when the stirrup distance decreases to 70 mm, the distance between the stirrups and the explosives is too close to limit the damage. The prediction model innovatively considers the attenuation of steel cross-section transmission and the characteristics of rectangular charges. Compared with traditional semi-empirical calculation models, it can accurately calculate local damage caused by contact explosions on reinforced concrete columns. Full article
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16 pages, 1102 KiB  
Article
On the Assessment of Reinforced Concrete (RC) Walls under Contact/Near-Contact Explosive Charges: A Deep Neural Network Approach
by David Holgado, Rodrigo Mourão, Arturo Montalva and Jason Florek
Buildings 2024, 14(9), 2683; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14092683 - 28 Aug 2024
Viewed by 810
Abstract
In recent years, the use of machine learning has been expanded to several fields, with promising advances in structural engineering applications. Deep neural network models have been implemented to predict the structural response of systems under conventional loading. Some of those neural network [...] Read more.
In recent years, the use of machine learning has been expanded to several fields, with promising advances in structural engineering applications. Deep neural network models have been implemented to predict the structural response of systems under conventional loading. Some of those neural network models are based on datasets containing images, test data, and/or data produced by using finite element models developed for a specific environment. While the accuracy of these models relies on the size and quality of the dataset, their use for blast analysis is rather limited, as publicly available data are scarce or restricted. Reinforced concrete (RC) walls or slabs under blast loading are commonly evaluated for flexural and shear behaviour, for which performance guidelines are widely available. While such response mechanisms are typically associated with the far-field range, the target response is controlled by local failure modes when blast loads are generated by contact or near-contact detonations. This paper introduces the implementation of a neural network model for the response prediction of RC walls subjected to contact and near-contact explosions. The model predicts the damage category (i.e., no damage, spall, and breach) associated with a given explosion scenario. The model is trained using experimental data from multiple test programmes available in open-source literature. It considers several parameters associated with the explosive charge (e.g., type, geometry, charge weight, and standoff) and RC target (e.g., material properties, geometry, and reinforcement). The model is able to accurately predict 81% of the total breached specimens, 66% of the total spalled specimens, and 71% of the full set of non-damaged specimens, with an overall accuracy of 72%, with precision and recall ranging from 60 to 76% and 66 to 81%, respectively. The current model is shown to be a significantly better predictor of the damage category than the semi-empirical approach outlined in UFC 3-340-02, making it a promising tool that can be improved with the inclusion of more experimental data. Full article
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18 pages, 5509 KiB  
Article
Scenarios of Progressive Pancake/Bending Collapse Considering Elastic/Plastic Reinforced Concrete Buildings
by Enrico Zacchei and Caio Gorla Nogueira
Buildings 2024, 14(7), 1948; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14071948 - 27 Jun 2024
Viewed by 551
Abstract
Quantitative analyses of structural resistance are useful during the design process to prevent the occurrence of progressive collapse. Buildings subjected to continuous instances of expected/non-expected loadings due to extreme events (e.g., earthquakes, explosions, floods, hurricanes) can collapse. A lack of specific knowledge from [...] Read more.
Quantitative analyses of structural resistance are useful during the design process to prevent the occurrence of progressive collapse. Buildings subjected to continuous instances of expected/non-expected loadings due to extreme events (e.g., earthquakes, explosions, floods, hurricanes) can collapse. A lack of specific knowledge from the designer and poor maintenance can affect collapse analyses. In this paper, the probability of failure for pancake collapse with respect to bending collapse for reinforced concrete (RC) multi-storey buildings is estimated. New combinations regarding the elastic/plastic behaviour of the material under distributed loadings on beams are proposed. Numerical 2D finite element method (FEM) analyses are carried out to model these buildings. Also, simplified dynamic analyses are carried out. The outputs are plotted in terms of the probability of failure for pancake collapse as a function of column compressive strength and the number of removed columns. The results show that the presence of elastic beams can influence the pancake collapse of columns, and, for buildings composed of several elements, the elimination of few elements has little impact on their stability. Full article
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15 pages, 3761 KiB  
Article
Study on the Anti-Progressive Collapse Behavior of Steel Frame Structures under Close-Range Blast Loading
by Changren Ke, Huihui Long and Junling Jiang
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1387; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051387 - 12 May 2024
Viewed by 971
Abstract
The steel frame structure plays an important role in strategic deployments and is widely used in heavy machinery, metallurgy, military, and other important industries. To study the impact of explosive loads on the anti-progressive collapse performance of steel structures, this paper proposes to [...] Read more.
The steel frame structure plays an important role in strategic deployments and is widely used in heavy machinery, metallurgy, military, and other important industries. To study the impact of explosive loads on the anti-progressive collapse performance of steel structures, this paper proposes to establish the vulnerability characteristics of steel frame structures and provides a method for calculating vulnerability characterization indicators. A finite element model is used to analyze the dynamic response of steel frame structures under the action of close-range explosive loads, and factors influencing the anti-progressive collapse of steel frame structures are proposed, including the number of stories and diagonal bracing. A comparison is made between the various column types of steel structures under explosive loads, such as corner columns, long-edge middle columns, short-edge middle columns, inner columns, also in various coupling conditions. The results show that the progressive collapse of steel frame structures is greatly influenced by the position of the explosion and less affected by the amount of explosive material. The simultaneous failure of corner columns and long-edge middle columns is more likely to cause overall structural failure. The addition of diagonal bracing significantly improves the anti-progressive collapse ability and prevents the lateral displacement of steel frame structures; increasing the number of stories provides more alternative load transfer paths for steel frame structures, thereby preventing their collapse. Full article
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29 pages, 7642 KiB  
Article
Structural Performance and Design of Aluminum Claddings Subjected to Windborne Debris Impact
by Iqrar Hussain, Sanam Aghdamy and Shanmuganathan Gunalan
Buildings 2024, 14(1), 135; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14010135 - 4 Jan 2024
Viewed by 1439
Abstract
Aluminum cladding panels have been used in some of the most iconic buildings around the world due to their durability, aesthetic appeal, and longevity. These panels play a critical role as the first line of defense against external forces such as wind and [...] Read more.
Aluminum cladding panels have been used in some of the most iconic buildings around the world due to their durability, aesthetic appeal, and longevity. These panels play a critical role as the first line of defense against external forces such as wind and rain; therefore, the appropriateness of the design and resilience of aluminum cladding panels must be ensured. Previous researchers have conducted very minimal research on aluminum panels subjected to windborne debris impact. Their scope was limited to studying the response of panels when they are targeted at the center. The influence of various structural and load-related parameters on the response of such claddings has yet to be investigated. Furthermore, no design guidelines are readily available that engineers can use to predict the response of aluminum cladding panels when subjected to such loads considering various conditions (location of impact, projectile’s material, angle of impact, velocity of impact, unsupported length, and the geometry of the panels). The main aim of this paper was to develop some design guidelines that engineers can use to predict the response of aluminum cladding panels exposed to windborne debris impact. To achieve this, a series of parametric studies was conducted to generate a data bank. These parametric studies were performed with the help of a robust numerical model that has been validated with experimental results. The parametric sensitivity study revealed that the angle of impact was the most influential parameter, causing an 80% reduction in the peak impact force with a 50% decrease in the angle. The velocity, plate thickness, location of impact, and unsupported length also significantly influenced the panel’s response. The alloy type emerged as a dominant factor affecting the maximum and residual deflections. Regression equations were formulated based on the generated dataset to accurately predict the peak impact force, maximum central deflection, and residual deflection of solid aluminum cladding panels. The proposed prediction equations offer a better alternative to experimental testing. Full article
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12 pages, 3070 KiB  
Article
A Case Study of Thin Concrete Wall Elements Subjected to Ground Loads
by Davide Elmo and Amichai Mitelman
Buildings 2023, 13(3), 713; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13030713 - 8 Mar 2023
Viewed by 2420
Abstract
Smuggling and warfare tunnels are unique structures that have rarely been studied from an engineering perspective. A notable example is the vast networks of tunnels that were secretly constructed underneath the Gaza Strip. Particularly because these tunnels were not designed and constructed via [...] Read more.
Smuggling and warfare tunnels are unique structures that have rarely been studied from an engineering perspective. A notable example is the vast networks of tunnels that were secretly constructed underneath the Gaza Strip. Particularly because these tunnels were not designed and constructed via traditional engineering practice, they constitute an interesting case study. The tunnels are supported by thin precast concrete elements, with the wall elements being the critical structural element. While some instances of structural failure and collapse have been reported in the media, a great number of the tunnels have remained stable. In this paper, we attempt to conduct a forward analysis to estimate the load and response of the wall elements. We estimate the range of problem input parameters based on multiple sources, including media accounts, geological research papers, and geotechnical reports obtained from the vicinity of the Gaza tunnels. The problem is then analyzed using two approaches: (1) a simplified structural analysis based on lateral earth-pressure theory and (2) numerical modeling. Both analysis methods show that the wall elements should fail due to compression even under the most favorable estimates of input parameters, in contrast to actual reality. We discuss possible explanations for this disparity. While it is not possible to pinpoint the exact explanation, we argue that current geotechnical practice is generally biased toward conservatism, even prior to the application of safety factors. Full article
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20 pages, 3858 KiB  
Article
Experimental Validation and Numerical Analysis of a High-Performance Blast Energy-Absorbing System for Building Structures
by Gabriel de Jesus Gomes, Valter José da Guia Lúcio, Corneliu Cismaşiu and José Luis Mingote
Buildings 2023, 13(3), 601; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13030601 - 24 Feb 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1967
Abstract
The paper presents a full-scale blast testing experimental campaign conducted on an energyabsorbing connector comprising thin-walled inversion tubes as kernel elements mounted in a façade protective panel. LS-DYNA finite element predictions of the global and local deformation/inversion of the panel/connectors compared reasonably well [...] Read more.
The paper presents a full-scale blast testing experimental campaign conducted on an energyabsorbing connector comprising thin-walled inversion tubes as kernel elements mounted in a façade protective panel. LS-DYNA finite element predictions of the global and local deformation/inversion of the panel/connectors compared reasonably well with the experimental observations. After validation, the numerical model was used to analyze the response of a simple idealized reinforced concrete structure under three blast-loading scenarios: the first two scenarios produce, approximately, the same impulse but are significantly different in terms of load duration and overpressures, and represent a far-field and a near-field scenario (1600 kg TNT at 20 m (i) and 150 kg TNT at 5 m (ii), respectively); the third scenario is more demanding, and consists in a half standoff distance of the second (150 kg TNT at 2.5 m (iii)). These numerical simulations allow to assess the effect of standoff distance and blast loading on the effectiveness of the protective system. One may conclude that the introduction of EACs strongly limits the forces imparted to the protected structure, reducing significantly the corresponding energy absorption demand. Comparing the energy absorbed by the structure in different scenarios, with and without the protective system (8 × ϕ64 × 2 mm), one can see that these reductions can reach, respectively 67%, 72% and 68% in the far-field, near-field and very near-field explosions. Full article
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24 pages, 6069 KiB  
Article
Variable Factors Affecting Progressive Destruction of Composite Steel Tall Building
by Sameh Lotfy, Mohamed Mortagi and Mohamed E. El Madawy
Buildings 2022, 12(10), 1704; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12101704 - 16 Oct 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1991
Abstract
In recent years, the presence of progressive collapse in tall buildings induced a catastrophic event which attracted the majority of the community’s attention. The purpose of this paper is to develop a 3D numerical analysis of tall building under column loss. A composite [...] Read more.
In recent years, the presence of progressive collapse in tall buildings induced a catastrophic event which attracted the majority of the community’s attention. The purpose of this paper is to develop a 3D numerical analysis of tall building under column loss. A composite steel frame building with 25 stories with five spans in both directions is proposed. The building has 3 m story height and 8 m span in both directions. The building is designed through the commercial software SAP2000 software against wind loads based on Eurocode 1-2005. The focus here is to investigate various parametric studies under abrupt column loss of multi-story composite building. The effect of composite slab is considered with full composite action between beam and slab. The findings of a parametric formulation incorporating important parameters for the progressive collapse design technique are given and confirmed using nonlinear dynamic time history analyses. The assessment of results has been introduced based on deformation, axial force in columns, equivalent plastic strain, major moment and axial force in the considered beams above the column loss. Next, a probabilistic analysis has been performed to assess the behavior of composite steel buildings against column loss. The study investigates the critical column loss and pinpoints the location of the next critical column. The results show that the concrete grade, position of the removed column, beams cross-section, and place of bracings have a significant effect in the response of the building rather than the steel grade and bottom reinforcement density. The removal of exterior column has the significant increase of the axial force percentage by 111.4% for the corner column. The corner column removal gives the maximum equivalent plastic strain with a value of 0.00449. Furthermore, the results reveal the potential impact of uncertainty on the structural elements of the considered buildings through the progressive collapse analysis. The vertical displacement above the column is fitted with mean value of 0.0251387 m and with a coefficient of variation 0.01664. Full article
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