Verification of Nondimensional Energy Spectrum-Based Blast Design for Reinforced Concrete Members through Actual Blast Tests

Abstract

A method has been developed for the design of reinforced concrete (RC) members when subjected to blast loadings based on the nondimensional energy spectrum. Numerical analyzes showed good agreement between the approximate responses of RC members designed to their respective levels of target response. This paper further verifies this method through the actual response of a RC column and beam subjected an actual denotation of explosives at a short standoff. When subjected to blast loading from a short standoff distance, the cantilever column behaved predominantly in direct shear. Thus, ways to mitigate the damage of a cantilever column should draw focus on the robustness. The developed design procedure provides a feasible method for the blast resistant design of members, subjected to blast loads at a short standoff distance.