Small scale models of complex geometry for blast overpressure assessment

Summary In the field of blast loading and structural response assessment there is great attraction in using small scale models which yield data of satisfactory quality to allow reliable prediction of full size events. The reasons for this include cost considerations, experimentation time and aspects of safety. This paper describes a series of experiments using smooth-walled tunnels of differing geometry at (approximately) 1:45 scale and small partially-vented cubicles designed to demonstrate that meaningful results can be obtained at small scale. Results are compared with data from both larger scale and full scale experiments and show reasonable correlation, particularly with regard to peak overpressure. It is concluded that the use of small-scale models can provide a useful means of obtaining blast loading data for complex structures.