TRANSIENT ANALYSIS OF REINFORCED CONCRETE FRAME WITH AND WITHOUT MASONRY INFILL WALL UNDER BLAST

Computational models using the finite element method for nonlinear transient analysis of reinforced concrete (RC) frames with and without unreinforced masonry infill wall subjected to blast loading are presented. The models are used to investigate different parameters including; (a) loading duration, and (b) effect of masonry infilled wall on damage accumulation. In this study, damage is globally quantified by maximum drift and maximum base shear in the RC frames. Local representation of damage in terms of reinforcing steel strains and yield is also discussed. Transient nonlinear analysis results demonstrated the significant effect of the masonry infill walls in improving the overall behavior under blast loading for different loading durations.