Use of Composites to Resist Blast

Abstract

Buildings are vulnerable to blast loads from accidental or terrorist explosions. Key structural components, such as columns, can be shattered and result in the collapse of the whole building and a large number of casualties. Recent retrofit procedures have shown that composites can be used to strengthen structural components so that they can survive the blast load and maintain their load carrying capacity, insuring that building integrity is not affected. This paper is a review of the use of composites for retrofitting key structural components such as columns, beams, and walls subjected to blast loading.