The state of the art of explosive loads characterisation

This paper presents the state of the art of characterisation of explosive loads of engineering structures. In recent years, high explosive devices have become the weapon of choice for the majority of terrorist attacks. Such factors as the accessibility of information on the construction of bomb devices, relative ease of manufacturing, mobility and portability, coupled with significant property damage and injuries, are responsible for significant increase in bomb attacks all over the world. In most of cases, structural damage and the glass hazard have been major contributors to death and injury for the targeted buildings. Following the events of September 11, 2001, the so-called “icon buildings” are perceived to be attractive targets for possible terrorist attacks. Research into methods for protecting civilian buildings against such bomb attacks has been initiated. Several analysis methods available to predict the loads from a high explosive blast on buildings in complex city geometries are examined. Analytical and numerical techniques are presented and the results obtained by different methods are compared. Results of the numerical simulations presented in this paper for multiple buildings in an urban environment have demonstrated the importance of accounting for adjacent structures when determining the blast loads on buildings. Introduction Protecting civilian buildings from the threat of terrorist activities is one of the most critical challenges for structural engineers today. Events of the past few years have greatly heightened the awareness of structural designers of the threat of terrorist attacks using explosive devices. Extensive research into blast effects analysis and techniques to protect buildings has been initiated in many countries to develop methods of protecting critical infrastructure and the built environment. The private sector is also increasingly considering measures to protect socalled “icon buildings” against the threat of external terrorist bomb attacks. There are a number of means available to help prevent a successful terrorist attack on a building. One of the most effective measures consists of gathering intelligence that can be used to stop an attack before it takes place. Another measure that can be used to protect many new and existing buildings is the design and retrofit of structures, which can resist blast loadings and protect occupants. This area of research is currently receiving a great deal of attention by the engineering community. What can be done to ensure structural integrity from explosive blasts with minimum loss of life or property? Structural engineers today need guidance on how to design structures to withstand various terrorist acts. While the issue of blast-hardening of structures has been an active topic with the military services, the relevant design documents are restricted to official use only. A very limited body of design documentation currently exists which can provide engineers with the technical data necessary to design civil structures for enhanced physical security. The professional skills required to provide blast resistant consulting services include structural dynamics, knowledge of the physical properties of explosive detonations and general knowledge of physical security practices.