Comparison of Predicted and Experimental Behaviour of RC Slabs Subjected to Blast using SDOF Analysis

F. B. Mendonca; G. Urgessa; K. Iha; R. J. Rocha; J.A.F.F. Rocco

doi:10.14429/dsj.68.11682

F. B. Mendonca Aeronautics Institute of Technology, Department of Chemistry. Pça. Mal. Eduardo Gomes 50, SP12228-900
G. Urgessa George Mason University. Civil, Environmental, and Infrastructure Engineering, Fairfax, VA 22030
K. Iha Aeronautics Institute of Technology, Department of Chemistry. Pça. Mal. Eduardo Gomes 50, SP12228-900
R. J. Rocha Aeronautics Institute of Technology, Department of Chemistry. Pça. Mal. Eduardo Gomes 50, SP12228-900
J.A.F.F. Rocco Aeronautics Institute of Technology, Department of Chemistry. Pça. Mal. Eduardo Gomes 50, SP12228-900

DOI: https://doi.org/10.14429/dsj.68.11682

Keywords: Blast test, Peak displacement, Single degree of freedom, Reinforced concrete

Abstract

Explosions emanating from terrorist attacks or military weapons cause damage to civilian and military facilities. Understanding the mechanical behaviour of reinforced concrete structures subjected to blast is of paramount importance for minimizing the possible blast damage. A full-scale experimental program consisting of six reinforced concrete slabs with compressive strengths of 60 MPa, 50 MPa and 40 MPa, measuring 1.0 m × 1.0 m × 0.08 m, and subjected to 2.7 kg of non-confined plastic bonded explosive, was conducted in blast test area of Science and Technology Aerospace Department (Brazilian Air Force). This paper compares experimentally measured peak displacement values with theoretical values. Theoretical analysis was carried out using single degree of freedom (SDOF) models. The comparison showed that SDOF analysis worked very well in predicting the reinforced concrete slab peak displacement against blast effects. Qualitative analysis after the experiments showed that the blast wave shape generated by the cylindrical explosive was not uniformly distributed on the slabs for the standoff distance of 0.927 m∕kg1/3.

Author Biographies

F. B. Mendonca, Aeronautics Institute of Technology, Department of Chemistry. Pça. Mal. Eduardo Gomes 50, SP12228-900

Mr F. B. Mendonca received his BE (Civil Engineering) from Rio de Janeiro State University, Brazil, in 2001 and MSc from University of Brasilia, Brazil, in 2012. He is currently pursuing his PhD from Aeronautics Institute of Technology (ITA), São José dos Campos, Brazil. His research interests include : Full-scale tests, dynamic behaviour of reinforced concrete under blast effect, vulnerability of targets and damage effects.

G. Urgessa, George Mason University. Civil, Environmental, and Infrastructure Engineering, Fairfax, VA 22030

Dr G. Urgessa received his BS (Civil Engineering) from Addis Abada University, Ethiopia, in 2000, MSc from University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, in 2002 and PhD in 2006. He is currently working as Associate Professor of Civil Engineering and Affiliate Faculty of the C4I & Cyber Center at George Mason University. His research interests include : Dynamic response of structures subjected to extreme loads (blast and impact), the use of fibre reinforced polymer composites in structural design and retrofit applications, and structural stability of temporary structures.

K. Iha, Aeronautics Institute of Technology, Department of Chemistry. Pça. Mal. Eduardo Gomes 50, SP12228-900

Dr K. Iha completed his PhD (Analytical Chemistry) from University of São Paulo (USP), Brazil, in 1991. Currently working as Full Professor of Department of Chemistry, ITA, São José dos Campos, Brazil. He has experience with solid and liquid propellant, energetic materials, ablative materials and rocket engine.

R. J. Rocha, Aeronautics Institute of Technology, Department of Chemistry. Pça. Mal. Eduardo Gomes 50, SP12228-900

Dr R. J. Rocha obtained her BE (Chemical Engineering) from University of São Paulo – USP, Brazil, in 2008 and PhD from Aeronautics Institute of Technology (ITA), São José dos Campos, Brazil, in 2015. She has experience in combustion, propellant formulations, chemical propulsion of solid and hybrid rocket motors, theoretical chemistry and defence materials.

J.A.F.F. Rocco, Aeronautics Institute of Technology, Department of Chemistry. Pça. Mal. Eduardo Gomes 50, SP12228-900

Dr J.F.A.A. Rocco has completed his BE (Chemical Engineering) from Industrial Engineering College (FEI) São Paulo, Brazil in 1982, MSc from Aeronautics Institute of Technology (ITA), Brazil, in 2000 and PhD in 2004. Currently working as Associate Professor at Department of Chemistry, ITA, São José dos Campos. His areas of research include full-scale tests, combustion of energetic materials, solid and liquid propulsion (rocket engine).