Quantifying Blast Effects on Constructed Facilities behind Blast Walls

Abstract

Explosive attacks on constructed facilities are a significant threat worldwide, producing devastating consequences including loss of life, property damages, and economic losses. This paper presents the development a blast effects assessment model (BEAM) capable of efficiently quantifying and visualizing blast effects on constructed facilities behind blast walls. The model provides novel and unique capabilities that enable designers to: (1) efficiently predict the blast damage level on facilities for a wide range of feasible design alternatives of blast charge weight, blast wall type, building material, and facility location; (2) quantify the effectiveness of feasible frangible blast wall types in reducing blast loading on facilities; and (3) generate visualizations of the anticipated facility damage areas based upon the blast charge weight, blast wall type, and building material combinations. These distinctive capabilities enable designers to accurately and efficiently evaluate all feasible design alternatives in order to select an optimal design solution that minimizes the risks to site personnel and facilities from the threat of explosive attacks.