Reliability-based load factors for blast design

Abstract

In this study the concepts of reliability are used to derive blast load factors. First, some objective criteria are proposed for the proper interpretation of pressure data gathered in arena tests. These criteria are applied to the pressure–time histories recorded during field tests involving live explosive detonated in contact with the ground. Three major shock wavefront parameters, including peak pressure, impulse, and positive phase duration are calculated. Next, statistical analysis is performed on these metrics to estimate their probability density functions and goodness-of-fit tests are carried out to gauge the appropriateness of each estimate. Using the best-fitting distribution for each wavefront metric, load factors are derived on the basis of two approaches. The first approach employs the percentiles of the three load metrics, each estimated using the pertinent probability distribution. The second approach uses concepts of reliability and presents load factors for low, medium, and high level of protection. The two sets of load factors are compared and the limitations of each approach are discussed.