A Parametric Study on Damage Assessment of RC Buildings Subjected to Blast Loading.

In this study, the dynamic responses and damage to buildings subjected to explosions were investigated. A total of 72 blasting scenarios were considered by utilizing the TNT explosive weights, concrete strengths, and openings in the facades of buildings. The blast analyses are performed using six TNT weights, six concrete strengths, and two opening rates in facades. First, ANSYS Workbench was employed to generate numerical models comprising the structural and non-structural components. The models were then transferred to ANSYS Autodyn to simulate the explosion effects. The peak pressures, displacements, released/absorbed-total energies, and damages obtained from the structural elements and walls were comparatively investigated. The results clearly show that the peak pressures and displacements obtained from the structural elements and walls were significantly affected by the TNT explosive weights, concrete strengths, and openings in the infill walls. A significant portion of the energy released from the explosion was absorbed by the air volume, and the energy absorbed by the concrete and brick was negligible. This situation shows that blast-induced damages are strongly influenced by TNT explosive weights compared to the concrete strengths and openings in facades. The explosion analyses and results obtained indicate that the explosive weights, concrete strengths, infill walls, and openings play major roles in the dynamic responses and damage of buildings. Additionally, explosion-proof buildings can be constructed using the described parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]