Experimental Procedure for Testing Concrete Slabs Under Blast Loading

Abstract

In this paper the pressure waves generated in a test rig previously presented by the authors for the experimental analysis of concrete slabs subjected to blast loading are analysed. To this aim, the concrete samples are replaced by one single aluminium slab instrumented with pressure gauges. In order to analyze the experimental scatter, the test setup is repeated four times, with the only variation of the location of the aluminium slab within the four available positions in the test rig. The pressure histories registered show good agreement with the typical patterns expected in open-air explosions and demonstrates the quasi-planar shape of the pressure wave acting on the slabs. By comparing between the results obtained in different detonations, the explosive charge seems to be among the main sources of experimental scatter in this kind of tests.

Performance of Base-Isolated RC School Building under Blast Loading

“…In addition, safe following distances for explosive transport are determined by considering the maximum number of explosives that cars can carry based on their luggage capacity (Table 3) [13]. Developed using past explosion events, analytical relations related to the blast load are supported by experimental studies using scaling laws in the ongoing process [4][5][6][7][8][9][14][15][16][17]. Experimental studies were conducted based on members in column beams and storeys.…”

“…For this reason, various regulations and reports related to explosion have been issued in many areas. Design of Structures to Resist Nuclear Weapons [2], Design of Structures to Resist the Effects of Accidental Explosions (Army Technical Manual) [7], Design of Blast Resistant Buildings in Petrochemical Facilities [8], and Unified Facilities Criteria [9] are various reports and regulations used nationally and internationally in the definition of blast loads. FEMA 426 (Risk Management Series Primer for Design of Commercial Buildings Table 1.…”