Blast resistance and damage evaluation of prefabricated lightweight high-strength concrete arches

This study investigates the blast resistance of prefabricated lightweight high-strength concrete (LWHSC) arches through field tests, theoretical analysis, and static validation. The dynamic response, and damage mechanisms, of prefabricated and monolithic LWHSC arches were evaluated under varying blast intensities. The key parameters, including pressure, displacement, velocity, acceleration, and rebar strain, were monitored. The residual bearing capacity was tested to quantify the damage. The results show that LWHSC significantly reduces self-weight while maintaining excellent bond performance with reinforcement under blast loads. Damage severity escalates markedly with decreasing scaled distance. This progression pinpoints the arch vault as the critical zone. Monolithic arches demonstrate superior performance, characterized by higher dynamic stiffness and damping. A damage classification standard based on residual capacity is proposed for rapid post-blast safety assessment. These findings offer critical insights for the blast-resistant design and evaluation of prefabricated LWHSC arches. • LWHSC arches reduce self-weight while maintaining excellent blast resistance. • Blast damage is depended on scaled distance and the arch vault is the critical zone. • Monolithic arches excel in blast resistance over prefabricated ones. • A practical damage classification standard based on residual bearing capacity.