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Numerical Analysis of the Dynamic Response of Masonry StructuresSubjected to Impact and Explosive Loading

Introduction

Structural engineers are responsible for the design, construction and erection of structures

in all kinds of materials. They must also ensure the comfort and safety of the occupantsand general public. This includes protecting structures against accidental or hostile

explosions and impact loads. Acts of terror have reluctantly become a characteristic of

modern society and the technology required to produce powerful explosives has become

relatively simple and inexpensive, this is a very real threat to todays infrastructure [1].

However accidental explosions from leaking gas mains or faulty appliances are far more

common. The extreme loadings generated in such events can have catastrophic effects

on surrounding infrastructure often resulting in casualties and high economic loss.

The philosophy on the accidental damage to buildings came under review after the Ronan

Point catastrophe of 1986. The accidental explosion of gas in a flat on the 18 th floor of a

23-storey building caused the blow out of the external loadbearing walls and lead to the

progressive collapse of the entire corner of the structure. Although Ronan Point was

constructed from large precast concrete panels, it was soon discovered that buildings in

other construction materials were also vulnerable to this extreme loading [2]. With the

wide spread usage of unreinforced masonry within the construction industry and its known

vulnerability in tension it is important to analyse the likely response of masonry structuresto potential blast loading.

The injuries suffered from an external explosion aimed at a structure are not necessarily

caused by the fragments, heat or pressure of the explosion itself but more commonly from

the disintegration and failure of the walls which every now and then lead to the collapse of

the entire structure. This highlights the importance of the analysis of vulnerable structures

as it allows for methods of protection or improvement to be recommended, potentially

saving many lives.

Aims :

The aim of the proposed research is to perform and present a numerical analysis using

finite element software to determine the behaviour of masonry under various blast and

impact loadings. An understanding of masonry as a structural material and its properties

will be developed through the research on blast, impact and dynamic loadings. The finite

element method will be investigated as it is an important tool for the analysis of the

dynamic response of structures. This research will also provide an introduction to ABAQUS the software that will be used to perform the finite element analysis. The

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modelling results will be used to determine the factors affecting the vulnerability of the

structures and allow for appropriate recommendations to be made.

Objectives:

Perform a comprehensive literature review on the use of masonry as a

structural material.

This objective will give a thorough understanding of the different types of masonry,

how it is used in construction and the structural properties. This will provide a

better understanding for the modelling and analysis.

Research the different types of b last and impact events that could occur and

how these loads would be applied to the structure .

This will give greater background information on the different types of extreme

loading and the difference between them when applied to the structure.Developing a further understanding of the different types of load will help

determine the correct method of application during the modelling stage providing a

more accurate analysis.

Develop an understanding of Finit e Element Analysis .

Developing an understanding of the Finite Element method will enable an accurate

model and suitable analysis parameters and boundaries to be set.

Perform an analysis of a multi-storey residential block and a two storey

educational building constructed form masonry and subjected to varioustypes of impact and blast load .

Analysis of these two models will provide important information on the blast/impact

response characteristics of two common structures. It will also enable a

comparison the different structural shapes and their response to extreme loading.

Critically analyse and discuss the results generated from models to gain an

understanding of the failure modes of masonry structures and the stresses

transferred through the structure.

Performing a critical analysis of the results will give a better understanding of how

and when the masonry structure will fail allowing appropriate preventative

measures to be recommended.

Recommend a suitable solut ion to reduce the influence of impact/explosive

loading on the masonry structure.

Produce a final report detailing, discussing and concluding the findings of

the above objectives.

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References:

[1] National Research Council. Protecting Buildings from Bomb Damage: Transfer of

Blast-Effects Mitigation Technologies from Military to Civilian Applications . Washington,

DC: The National Academies Press, 1995.

[2] HENDRY, A.W et al. Design of Masonry Structures. 3 rd ed. London. E. & F. Spon,

1997.