Design of Structures Subjected to Blast Loads: Analysis and Design Review

Abstract

When designing structures to withstand explosions, the main goals are to minimize the number and extent of occupant injuries and to reduce the chance of catastrophic damage to structures. Although there is uncertainty in the source, extent, and location of explosions, the assessment of blast loading and structural performance is important when designing blast-resistant structures. This study is a review of the literature on the prediction of blast loads, structural modeling and analysis, and design criteria for structures to resist explosions. The paper provides in one concise document the general guidelines, references, and tools that structural engineers and researchers need to analyze and design structures subjected to blast loading. References on the topics discussed in this work are provided for more detail.

Keywords

• blast loads; blast-resistant structures; structural analysis; blast design criteria