Finite Element Evaluation of Blast Design Response Criteria for Load-Bearing Precast Wall Panels

An impediment to using total precast construction for government, diplomatic and defense buildings is that load-bearing walls are defined as primary components and are therefore subject to significantly more restrictive blast response limits than non-load-bearing walls. These requirements are particularly restrictive for prestressed load-bearing wall panels. This paper presents analytical research used to define the behavior of precast/prestressed panels under combined axial loading and lateral impulse loading and to assess the current response criteria. Particular focus is placed on the ductility of load-bearing wall panels in comparison to non-load-bearing panels. The analytical procedures primarily rely on high-fidelity finite element methodology (nonlinear static and explicit nonlinear dynamic) that has been thoroughly validated through full-scale laboratory testing. The study indicates that under elevated axial load the response limits of prestressed and conventionally reinforced wall panels are comparative and could be increased from current limits, and revised response limits for future blast design of load-bearing precast wall panels are recommended.