Response to Blast Loading of Concrete Wall Panels with Openings

TLDR

Reinforced concrete wall panels’ blast resistance is typically derived from a dynamic ultimate flexural resistance‑deflection function, with static resistance modified for dynamic effects, and prior work has shown that openings can be accounted for by a modification factor applied to the resistance of a closed panel. The study validates a method for assessing blast resistance of reinforced concrete wall panels with openings. The method is validated against blast trial results using model panels subjected to impulsive loading. The impulsive blast capacity of wall panels with openings can be determined by applying a factor to the static ultimate resistance.

Abstract

The assessment of reinforced concrete wall panels subject to blast loading may be based upon the formulation of a dynamic, ultimate flexural resistance-deflection function for the element. With the exception of situations in which the explosion occurs at very close proximity to the panel, the ultimate blast resistance is normally based upon the static resistance, which is subsequently modified for dynamic effects. A previous paper by the writers has shown that the static resistance of panels with door and window openings may be determined by the application of a modification factor to the resistance of a similar panel with no openings. In this technical note the method is validated against the results of blast trials using model reinforced concrete wall panels with openings subject to impulsive loading. It is shown that the impulsive blast capacity of wall panels with openings may be determined by applying a factor to the static ultimate resistance.