• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.337-350
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• 2009

Finite element simulations are increasingly used in structural analysis and design, especially in cases where complex structural and loading conditions are involved. Due to considerable progresses in computer technology as well as nonlinear finite-element analysis techniques in past years, it has become possible to pursue an accurate analysis of the complex blast-induced structural effects by means of numerical simulations. This paper aims to develop a better understanding of the behavior of steel-concrete composite beams (SCCB) under localized blast loading through a numerical parametric study. A finite element model is set up to simulate the blast-resistant features of SCCB using the transient dynamic analysis software LS-DYNA. It is demonstrated that there are three dominant failure modes for SCCB subjected to localized blast loading. The effect of loading position on the behavior of SCCB is also investigated. Finally, a simplified model is proposed for assessing the overall response of SCCB subjected to localized blast loading.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.449-463
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• 2012

For buildings subjected to blast loading, structural failure can be categorized into local failure (direct blast effects) and progressive collapse (consequential effects). In direct blast effects, the intensive blast pressures create localized failure of structural elements such as exterior columns and walls. Columns, and their behaviour, play a key role in these situations. Therefore investigating the behaviour of columns under blast loading is very important to estimate the strength, safety and reliability of the whole structure. When a building is subjected to blast loading, it experiences huge loading pressures and undergoes great displacement and plastic behaviour. In order to study the behaviour of an element under blast loading, in addition to elastic properties of materials, plastic and elastic-plastic properties of materials and sections are needed. In this paper, using analytical studies and nonlinear time-history analysis by Ansys software, the effects of shape of column sections and boundary conditions, on behaviour and local failure of steel columns under blast load are studied. This study identifies the importance of elastic-plastic properties of sections and proposes criteria for choosing the best section and boundary conditions for columns to resist blast loading.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.283-300
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• 2009

The characteristic response of a structure to blast load may be divided into two distinctive phases, namely the direct blast response during which the shock wave effect and localized damage take place, and the post-blast phase whereby progressive collapse may occur. A reliable post-blast analysis depends on a sound understanding of the direct blast effect. Because of the complex loading environment and the stress wave effects, the analysis on the direct effect often necessitates a high fidelity numerical model with coupled fluid (air) and solid subdomains. In such a modelling framework, an appropriate representation of the blast load and the high nonlinearity of the material response is a key to a reliable outcome. This paper presents a series of calibration study on these two important modelling considerations in a coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian framework using a hydrocode. The calibration of the simulated blast load is carried out for both free air and internal explosions. The simulation of the extreme dynamic response of concrete components is achieved using an advanced concrete damage model in conjunction with an element erosion scheme. Validation simulations are conducted for two representative scenarios; one involves a concrete slab under internal blast, and the other with a RC column under air blast, with a particular focus on the simulation sensitivity to the mesh size and the erosion criterion.