Prediction of Blast Loading and Its Impact on Buildings

A bomb explosion within or near a building can cause catastrophic damage to both the external and internal structural frames, including the collapse of walls, shattering of windows, and failure of critical life-safety systems. The resulting loss of life and injuries may arise from various causes such as direct blast effects, structural collapse, debris impact, fire, and smoke. Furthermore, these events often hinder evacuation efforts, leading to additional casualties. Catastrophes caused by gas-chemical explosions generate dynamic loads significantly exceeding the original design capacities of structures. Consequently, extensive research over the past three decades has focused on the development of structural analysis and design techniques to resist such blast loads. Notably, studies on reinforced concrete (RC) elements have improved our understanding of how structural detailing influences behavior under blast conditions. This study investigates the response of RC columns subjected to constant axial and lateral blast loads using the finite element software ANSYS. Various boundary conditions were considered, employing meshless methods to reduce mesh distortion. The analysis involved applying a constant axial force to achieve equilibrium, followed by a short-duration lateral blast load to observe dynamic response over time. A comprehensive understanding of blast phenomena and structural dynamics is essential for the effective design of structures resistant to explosions.