Blast vulnerability of multi-storey masonry infill reinforced concrete frames

Abstract

The prototype or experimental study of blast effect on structures is not always possible due to high risk of life and environmental wellbeing. However, advancement in computational science had made it possible to solve such complex and risky problems. Researchers in the past few decades have presented ample computational and numerical studies on blast effect on masonry structure using deterministic approach. The studies have neglected the effect of various uncertainties that may perhaps occur during an actual blast scenario. Therefore, in present study probabilistic Finite Element (FE) analysis was performed on three statistically stable masonry infill RC (Reinforced Concrete) frames having single (G+0), two (G+1) and three (G+2) storey levels respectively to arrive at the blast fragility curves. The probability of failure was computed based on the inelastic tension damage curves developed for the masonry. The effect of scaled distance and different storey levels on blast vulnerability of masonry infill RC frame walls are investigated through these fragility curves. The results indicate a noteworthy effect of scaled distance and storey levels on the blast resistance of the structure. Frame G+0 is found to be comparatively more vulnerable against the blast load effect than other multi-storey frames. The critical value of scaled distance (Zcritical) corresponding to PF 90% in panel P1 was found as 6.67m/kg1/3, 4.81m/kg1/3 and 4.66m/kg1/3 respectively of frames G+0, G+1 and G+2; in panel P2 was found as 4.3m/kg1/3 and 4.6m/kg1/3 respectively of frames G+2 and G+3 and; in panel P3 was found as 4.32 m/kg1/3 of frame G+3. It is also observed that RC frame is negligibly affected with respect to the masonry panel in terms of blast load mitigation.