Blast loading on concrete framed structures

Byfield, Mike and Sakthivel, Paramasivam (2007) Blast loading on concrete framed structures. Concrete, 41 (1), 34-35.

Record type: Article

Abstract

Disproportionate collapse occurs when the removal of load bearing members (one or more columns, or load bearing walls) results in localized structural damage which leads to further loss of load bearing members and, ultimately, to the collapse of whole or part of the structure. It is often necessary to design critical load bearing elements to resist the effects of blast if a structure is considered at risk from attack. This necessitates the estimation of blast load and its effects on load bearing elements. This paper discusses the assessment of blast load and its effect on building frames. It also briefly introduces a method for evaluating the strength of reinforced concrete structures, subjected to intense blast loading. As a case study, the Murrah Building collapse is considered, in which direct blast pressure resulted in the brisance failure of a column and the shearing of two columns. This local failure of load bearing elements resulted in a progressive collapse that destroyed half the floor area of the building, with the loss of 168 lives. This building frame reanalyzed without the use of a transfer girders that have been cited as partly responsible for the extent of the collapse.

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