Structural Response to High Impulsive Loads: Dynamic Effects and Analysis Approaches

Abstract

Structural response to high impulsive loads such as impact and blast involves a series of dynamic effects of distinctive characteristics. These vary from the high intensity, high strain rate effect at the material level; various dynamic modes and failure mechanisms at the structural component level; to the dynamic amplification associated with the transition to a typical double-span mechanism in the process of the progressive collapse due to a sudden removal of vertical load carrying member(s). This paper discusses the characteristics of these different dynamic effects and introduces some associated research studies. The governing mechanisms in the different regimes of dynamic effects are highlighted and appropriate analytical and numerical modeling approaches are discussed.