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Buildings
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Blast Loading and Blast Effect on Building Structures
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Blast Loading and Blast Effect on Building Structures

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 January 2024) | Viewed by 13616

Special Issue Editors

Dr. María Chiquito

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Guest Editor
Departamento de Ingeniería Geológica y Minera, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
Interests: safety engineering; structural dynamics; structural analysis; blast; blast modelling; finite element analysis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Ricardo Castedo

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Guest Editor
Departamento de Ingeniería Geológica y Minera, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
Interests: coastal erosion; rock mechanics; climate change
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Weifang Xiao

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Civil Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
Interests: blast-resistant design; protective structures; TNT equivalence concept; charge shape effect; blast walls; shock wave propagation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Unintentional or intentional explosions constitute a great hazard for structures and their occupants. As it is not possible to eliminate all the conceivable threats, studies on improving safety inside the buildings have increased in recent decades to mitigate blast load effects. The study of the structural response of buildings subjected to an explosive event is essential. In addition, studying the behaviour of different components of the building under blast loading can help to improve the overall anti-blast performance of the building and reduce damage. For a better understanding of blast effects on building structures, active research is needed in different fields, including experimental studies, analytical models or numerical simulations.

Within the broad scope of this topic, this Special Issue encourages the blast engineering research community to present original papers on blast wave–structure interactions, post-blast analysis, reinforcement solutions or risk assessment, among others. Submissions can focus on the building response as a whole or on individual building elements such as columns, beams, slabs, masonry walls, etc. We welcome contributions that include experimental tests, numerical studies or theoretical and analytical models.

Dr. María Chiquito
Dr. Ricardo Castedo
Dr. Weifang Xiao
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Buildings is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • blast loading
  • experimental tests
  • numerical modelling
  • structural response
  • protective structures
  • reinforced concrete slabs
  • masonry walls
  • steel plates
  • retrofitting techniques
  • fluid–structure interaction

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

23 pages, 17144 KiB  
Article
Mitigating Blast Hazards: Experimental Evaluation of Anti-Shatter Films and Catcher-Cable Systems on Conventional Windows
by Matthias Andrae, Jan Dirk van der Woerd, Matthias Wagner, Achim Pietzsch and Norbert Gebbeken
Buildings 2024, 14(3), 767; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14030767 - 12 Mar 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1240
Abstract
In light of terrorist attacks and accidents, the need for structural protection against explosive events has increased significantly in recent decades. Conventional unprotected windows pose a particularly high risk of injury to building occupants due to glass fragments and window frames being propelled [...] Read more.
In light of terrorist attacks and accidents, the need for structural protection against explosive events has increased significantly in recent decades. Conventional unprotected windows pose a particularly high risk of injury to building occupants due to glass fragments and window frames being propelled into the interior and exterior of a building. This article addresses new experimental research on the protection of conventional single casement windows with insulating glass units (double-paned) and window frames made of un-plasticized polyvinyl chloride (uPVC) against blast loads. Entire window systems were tested in ten shock-tube tests using different retrofit-configurations. The retrofitted protective measures include anti-shatter films and catcher-cable systems. Furthermore, the influence of steel profiles inserted in the window frames is investigated. The applied blast loads met the requirements for ER1-certification according to EN 13541:2012 (tested at a reflected peak overpressure of 66.7 kPa and a reflected maximum impulse of 417.7 kPa∙ms). In the test series, various measurement methods were used to capture the velocity of the window fragments, the dynamic cable forces, and the hazard. The data provide valuable information for the design and implementation of catcher-cable systems for existing buildings, which can improve the occupant safety in the event of an explosion. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Blast Loading and Blast Effect on Building Structures)
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24 pages, 19645 KiB  
Article
Dynamic Response Characteristics of Composite Concrete Structures Subjected to Reactive Jet Impact
by Chenghai Su, Peiyu Li, Jiahao Zhang, Aoxin Liu, Yuanfeng Zheng and Haifu Wang
Buildings 2024, 14(3), 624; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14030624 - 27 Feb 2024
Viewed by 881
Abstract
Composite concrete structures, commonly found in urban infrastructures, such as highways and runways, are pivotal research object in the protection field. To study the dynamic response of composite concrete structures subjected to reactive jet penetration coupled with an explosive effect, a full-scale damage [...] Read more.
Composite concrete structures, commonly found in urban infrastructures, such as highways and runways, are pivotal research object in the protection field. To study the dynamic response of composite concrete structures subjected to reactive jet penetration coupled with an explosive effect, a full-scale damage experiment of composite structures under the action of 150 mm caliber shaped charges was performed, to derive the dynamic damage modes of different concrete thicknesses under the combined kinetic and chemical energy damage effects. The results indicated that under aluminum jet penetration, concrete layers exhibited minor funnel craters and penetration holes. However, concrete layers displayed a variety of damage modes, including central penetration holes, funnel craters, bulges, and radial/circumferential cracks when subjected to the PTFE/Al jet. The area of the funnel crater expanded as the thickness of the concrete increased, while the height of the bulge and the number of radial cracks decreased. The diameter of penetration holes increased by 76.9% and the area of funnel crater increased by 578% in comparison to Al jet penetration damage. A modified-RHT concrete model that reflected concrete tensile failure was established, utilizing AUTODYN. Segmented numerical simulations of damage behavior were performed using the FEM-SPH algorithm and a restart approach combined with reactive jet characteristics. The spatial distribution characteristic of the reactive jet and the relationship between kinetic penetration and explosion-enhanced damage were obtained by the simulation, which showed good concordance with the experimental results. This study provides important reference data and a theoretical basis for the design of composite concrete structures to resist penetration and explosion. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Blast Loading and Blast Effect on Building Structures)
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18 pages, 6999 KiB  
Article
Robustness of Reinforced Concrete Slab Structures: Lessons Learned from Two Full-Scale Tests
by Alejandro Pérez Caldentey, Yolanda G. Diego, Anastasio P. Santos, Lina López, María Chiquito and Ricardo Castedo
Buildings 2024, 14(2), 558; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14020558 - 19 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1876
Abstract
Within the research project ITSAFE, two full-scale structures were built, one consisting of a single-storey, two-span, 7.00 × 14.00 m2 RC frame with a solid slab and another consisting of a two-storey, 7.00 × 7.00 m2 RC frame with solid slabs. [...] Read more.
Within the research project ITSAFE, two full-scale structures were built, one consisting of a single-storey, two-span, 7.00 × 14.00 m2 RC frame with a solid slab and another consisting of a two-storey, 7.00 × 7.00 m2 RC frame with solid slabs. In the two-span frame, one of the central supports was first demolished using a pneumatic hammer, resulting in rather limited damage (a 14–15 cm deflection at the removed support location). However, torsional cracks appeared at the interface between a column and slab in one of the outer supports. When the second central support was removed, the structure collapsed with the failure of the support–slab connection. The same type of cracking was observed in the two-storey structure, where the column removal was dynamic, and a 22 cm deflection was measured. These experimental results question current practice in which, for internal supports, alternative load path mobilizing membrane forces in the slab are said to prevent their collapse, or in the cases of edge and corner columns, rupture line analysis is used and suggests that special reinforcement at the column–support connection is also needed to prevent the premature failure of the structure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Blast Loading and Blast Effect on Building Structures)
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37 pages, 70120 KiB  
Article
Blast Mitigation of Reinforced Concrete Structures Incorporating Shear Walls in Modern Building Designs
by Rohan G. Raikar, Muhammed Zain Kangda, Venkatesh Wadki and Ehsan Noroozinejad Farsangi
Buildings 2023, 13(10), 2621; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13102621 - 17 Oct 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2073
Abstract
Material science advancements have resulted in the development of high-strength concrete and steel reinforcement, allowing more efficient and stable buildings against natural and manmade disasters. Increasing security concerns and the potential threat from terrorist activities have led to the safety and resilience of [...] Read more.
Material science advancements have resulted in the development of high-strength concrete and steel reinforcement, allowing more efficient and stable buildings against natural and manmade disasters. Increasing security concerns and the potential threat from terrorist activities have led to the safety and resilience of structures against blast loads in modern construction. The present study investigates the performance of reinforced concrete shear walls in mitigating blast-induced vibrations. The study examines four different reinforced concrete buildings based on their shapes, namely square, rectangular, C-shaped, and L-shaped, to understand the blast behaviours with and without shear walls. The study presents a methodology to protect the regular and irregular buildings equipped with shear walls against blast loads at varying standoff distances of 100 m, 200 m, 300 m, and 400 m, respectively. The study also compares the efficiency of passive control dampers and shear walls in enhancing the buildings’ performance against blast vibrations. The best placement of the shear walls is also evaluated for all the selected buildings. The study also considers the effect of shear wall thickness in mitigating blast-induced vibrations in multi-storey buildings. The study also discusses the design guidelines and reinforcement detailing of shear walls to protect buildings against detrimental blast effects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Blast Loading and Blast Effect on Building Structures)
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15 pages, 9774 KiB  
Article
Full-Scale Field Tests on Concrete Slabs Subjected to Close-In Blast Loads
by María Chiquito, Lina M. López, Ricardo Castedo, Anastasio P. Santos and Alejandro Pérez-Caldentey
Buildings 2023, 13(8), 2068; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13082068 - 14 Aug 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1525
Abstract
This research evaluates the performance of different protective solutions for reinforced concrete slabs subjected to blast loading. A series of full-scale blast tests were carried out on concrete slabs at scaled distances ranging from 0.20 to 0.83 m/kg1/3. For this purpose, [...] Read more.
This research evaluates the performance of different protective solutions for reinforced concrete slabs subjected to blast loading. A series of full-scale blast tests were carried out on concrete slabs at scaled distances ranging from 0.20 to 0.83 m/kg1/3. For this purpose, 16 concrete slabs were tested; eight of them were unreinforced as ‘control specimens’, and the other eight were protected with five different protective solutions. After the tests, a damage assessment was conducted based on three different parameters. The results showed that there was no clear improvement in the concrete performance when the charge was located 0.5 m from the slab. Significant local damage that completely perforated the slab occurred. In the tests with the load placed 1 m from the slab, the reinforcements that were used significantly contributed to the retention of some fragments produced in these tests. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Blast Loading and Blast Effect on Building Structures)
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11 pages, 3011 KiB  
Article
Blast Fragment Impact of Angle-Ply Composite Structures for Buildings Wall Protection
by Daniel Barros, Carlos Mota, João Bessa, Fernando Cunha, Pedro Rosa and Raul Fangueiro
Buildings 2023, 13(8), 1959; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13081959 - 31 Jul 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1230
Abstract
This paper investigates the fragment performance of several composite panels for attaching to the inside walls of a building structure. These panels were developed using different types of fiber woven fabrics (W0, W90) combined with distinct layers orientations (angle-ply effect) of L0/0 and [...] Read more.
This paper investigates the fragment performance of several composite panels for attaching to the inside walls of a building structure. These panels were developed using different types of fiber woven fabrics (W0, W90) combined with distinct layers orientations (angle-ply effect) of L0/0 and L0/15. Aramid, E-glass, and S-glass fiber fabrics impregnated with thermosetting epoxy resin, and a prepreg of Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (HB24) were employed. The panels are subjected to ballistic impact using different fragments under impact velocities in the range of 120 to 420 m/s. In order to measure the energy absorbed by the ballistic panels, the impact velocity and the residual velocity of the fragment were measured with laser chronographs placed before and after the laminated test specimens. The paper demonstrates quantitatively that the angle-ply laminates produced using L0/15 woven fabric orientation presented a higher impact energy absorption, promoting higher reductions on the fragment residual velocity compared to the L0/0 orientations. The laminates produced using UHMWPE fibers (HB24) presented better ballistic properties compared to the other fibers. Furthermore, it was noted that the energy dissipation rate is linearly correlated with the impact velocity and is independent of the fragment geometry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Blast Loading and Blast Effect on Building Structures)
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23 pages, 8518 KiB  
Article
Damage Zone of the Reinforced Concrete Beam under Rectangular Explosive Contact Explosions
by Lijun Zhao, Yongping Hao, Qiuyang Wang, Chaozhi Yang, Huangwei Yao and Xin Jia
Buildings 2023, 13(6), 1403; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13061403 - 29 May 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3728
Abstract
This paper investigates the damaged area of a reinforced concrete beam under rectangular explosive contact explosion, through full-scale beam tests and numerical simulation. The calculation equation of beam surface load distribution based on equivalent impulse is established, with a consideration of the effect [...] Read more.
This paper investigates the damaged area of a reinforced concrete beam under rectangular explosive contact explosion, through full-scale beam tests and numerical simulation. The calculation equation of beam surface load distribution based on equivalent impulse is established, with a consideration of the effect of the length and height of rectangular explosive on the load distribution, and the calculation equation of beam damage area is further proposed. Through changing the mass of the rectangular TNT explosive (1~6 kg) and the shape of the 1 kg rectangular explosive, 5 cases of the test were carried out on a full-scale reinforced concrete beam. The damaged area of the beam is divided into three parts: blasting crater, damage span of the front face, and damage span of the bottom face. The RHT (Riedel–Hiermaier–Thoma) material model is used to simulate concrete for numerical simulation. Curve fitting was performed based on the numerical simulation results. With the prediction of the load distribution on the beam surface, the size of the surface crushing area and the span of the damaged area are calculated; the section resistance function of the beam is introduced to calculate the depth of the blasting crater; and the correlation curve between the damaged span of the front face, the depth of the blasting crater, and the mass of the block TNT is established. The local damage to the beam under the contact explosion load can be evaluated more accurately when the mass of the rectangular TNT is 1~6 kg. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Blast Loading and Blast Effect on Building Structures)
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