International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology (IJCIET)

Volume 9, Issue 6, June 2018, pp. 340–347, Article ID: IJCIET_09_06_039

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ISSN Print: 0976-6308 and ISSN Online: 0976-6316

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BLAST LOAD ANALYSIS AND EFFECT ON

HIGH RISE STRUCTURES
Boyina sita Rama krishna
P.G Student, Structural Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering,
Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India

Jinka Chandra Sekhar

Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering,
Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India

ABSTRACT
This paper investigates effects of blast loads on high rise structures due to
increasing terrorist attacks. Blast loads cause huge damage to the structure and
decrease the strength and durability of structure. A bomb explosion can cause internal
and external damage to the structure. Due to this damage from such extreme load
conditions, efforts have been made to improve methods of structural analysis and
design to resist the blast loads. Blast loads are sudden impact dynamic loads that are
needed to calculate like a seismic load and wind loads. This study helps to understand
the behavior of G+10 RCC structure, subjected to blast load. Structure designed in
sap2000 software by nonlinear time history analysis.
Keywords: blast loading, high rise structure, impact dynamic loads, and nonlinear
time history analysis.
Cite this Article: Boyina sita Rama Krishna and Jinka Chandra Sekhar, Blast Load
Analysis and Effect on High Rise Structures, International Journal of Civil
Engineering and Technology, 9(6), 2018, pp. 340–347.
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1. INTRODUCTION
Blasts releases of energy and hot gases very fast in an in milliseconds into the surrounding
atmosphere. This explosion caused by the Chemicals (TNT), two chemicals mixing in a high
temperature. During blast the hot gases that are generated occupy the space surroundings.
Blast load was uniformly distributed load increasing of standoff distance load also decreases.
Blasts can be exemplified as physical blast, chemical blast, and nuclear blast. Above the
ground surface blast are mainly three different types like air blast, surface blast and high
altitude blast. The rapid releasing of energy caused by the wave form of a pressure in the
surrounding space spread as shock front. Due to the blast, accumulations of hot gases take
place. The wave reproduces the speed and sound. 3000 o c-4000oc temperature in surrounding

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 Blast Load Analysis and Effect on High Rise Structures

region. The absolute maximum pressure over and above the atmospheric pressure take place
at the shock wave is known as maximum or peak value of over pressure. Following the shock
wave, reduce to around one-half the maximum overpressure and carry through approximately
even at the canter of explosion. The phase in which pressure due to explosion generated to the
atmospheric pressures is known as positive phase. After some time, the overpressure in the
shock front decrease to value less than that of medium is known as negative phase. The
dynamic loads on the structures subjected to blast load can be estimated. We should be
notifying the structure cannot be protected completely from explosion. The study of this paper
is limited for only surface blast. The impact dynamic loads on the structure forces to this type
of blast loads are estimated.

1.1. Blast Load and Blast Phenomena

The blast is defined as the quick releasing of energy in a large scale. The blast is a
phenomenon of quick and sudden releasing of energy. Which increases in size at designating
its own velocity. The resulting of blast wave releases energy over a small duration and in a
small volume, pressure will be distributed in all directions in a wave form. Blast broadly used
for destruction of old constructions or development works.

1.2. Blast Wave Pressure –Nonlinear Time History

The pressure time profile mainly two different of phases, above the ambient is called positive
phase and below the ambient is called negative phase. Negative phase is a small duration and
high intensity then the negative phase. During the negative phase, weekend the structure may
be subjected to impact by debris that may cause additional damage. Fig.1 shown the blast
wave presser diagram.

Figure 1 Blast Wave Presser Diagram

2. METHODOLOGY
This nonlinear forces displacement, acceleration, velocity characteristic in individual frame
elements modelled in a sap2000 software. Blast wave depends upon two factors explosion
size and weight of TNT and the standoff distance between where the blast is occurring at
ground surface. Consider the building will be affected on the blast loads by some weight (kg)
of TNT at a certain standoff distance. For dynamic analysis of structure, the blast load effect
will be based on loading and time history that is applying to the structure members as short
term loading (transient loading). The pack magnitude, total impale on each joint, durations are
in between pressure-time history calculations will be taken Table-1 given IS 4991-1968. The
method used to calculate blast presser on front face of each and every joint as a grid design. In
a front face of building each and every beam –column joint is varying triangular forces are
acting. The blast load distributed in X-direction. Front faces of building total 55 beam-column
joints are presented. Fig.2 has shown the typical blast load.

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 Boyina sita Rama Krishna and Jinka Chandra Sekhar

Figure 2 Typical Blast Load

The forces due to blast loading should be applied to the building as triangular loading
functions calculated separately for Each and every joint of front face of the building, taking
into the distance to each joint from the source of blast. Reflected overpressure at each joint is
calculated is should be multiplied with tributary area to get the peak load at the Joints. The
positive phase time duration can also be find out; we can generate the load time history of
each beam-column joint as input into sap2000.

3. ANALYSIS AND MODELING

G+10 structure modelled analysed subjected to blast load of an explosion 100kg TNT using
sap2000. Blast load defined as presser-time triangular function in this model. To find the blast
parameters standoff distance is very important. Blast point to structure distance increases
pressure will be decreases because of pressure decreases increasing of standoff distance.

3.1. Model of Building

The RC framed structure is designed in the software tool and the Structure details can be
observed in Table-1. The description of model can be observed in Table-2 and the structure
element model can be observed in Table-3.

Table 1 Structure details

Grade of concrete, fck (Column, Beam, slab) M35
Grade of steel, fst Fe500
Young’s modulus of M35 concrete, E 29504.445 Mpa
Young’s modulus of steel, E 2x105 Mpa
Concrete density 25 kn/m3
Steel density 78.5 kn/m3

Table 2 Model description

Number of bays in x-direction 4
Number of bays in y-direction 4
Width of single bay in x-direction 5.5m
Width of single bay in y-direction 4.5m
Number of storeys G+10
Height of ground story 3.5m
Height of each story 3m
Column 600mm x 600mm
Structure
Beam 600mm x 600mm
Elements
Slab 125 mm

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 Blast Load Analysis and Effect on High Rise Structures

3.2. General Load Case

Dead load, Live load and wind load will be applied to the floor slab of building, according to
the code IS: 875-1987 (part 1, 2&3) uniformly distributed load. Seismic load will be applied
to building, according to code IS: 1893(part 1)-2002.

3.3. Drag Structure

The building is open RC frame structure live load and dead load to the structure. Blast load
will be uniformly distributed in a distance of 30m away from the structure in x-direction.
Fig.3 has shown the floor plan and 3-d view of building.

Figure 3 Floor Plan and 3D View of Building

3.4. Structure Element Model

The RC framed structure is designed in the software tool and the Structure details can be
observed in Table-3 the description of model Nodes, Frames and Shells.

Table 3 Structure element model in RC framed structure

Nodes 275
Frames 440
Shells 176

3.5. Applying of Blast Load

Initially, the structure is design to resist the live load and dead load and also the wind loads.
Blast loads apply on the structure at a distance for a charge of 100kg TNT. The minimum
distance at which the building system tends to be estimated. The responses (story
displacement and story shear) of the building at their critical distance are studied. Blast load
generated from a weapon charge of 100kg TNT is estimated for the distance of 30m away
from the building. Loads can be calculated for each and every joint front face of where blast is
occurring. The load is applied as blast load time triangular function to the structure. Table 4
shows the overpressure and time duration at different standoff distance of beam column
joints. Each structural element blast pressure is assuming to acting unit area. Pressure is
multiplied with unit area to obtain corresponding blast pressure for particular standoff
distance. Blast load is defined as triangular time history function in SAP2000. The
overpressure variation at different standoff distance for 100kg TNT can be observed in Table-
4.

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 Boyina sita Rama Krishna and Jinka Chandra Sekhar

Table 4 Overpressure Variation at Different Standoff Distance for 100kg TNT

Floor Point R(m) Z(m) T d(ms) Pr A P(kn)
1 30.44 66.68 13.39 74.55058 6 447.3035
2 30.28 65.25 13.25 77.50926 12 930.1111
SLAB
3 30.20 65.08 13.17 77.95099 12 935.4118
1
4 30.28 65.25 13.25 77.50926 12 930.1111
5 30.44 66.68 13.39 74.55058 6 447.3035
1 31.42 67.71 13.46 72.84029 6 437.0417
2 30.77 66.31 13.36 75.1306 12 901.5673
SLAB
3 30.69 66.14 13.35 75.43354 12 905.2025
2
4 30.77 66.31 13.36 75.1306 12 901.5673
5 31.42 67.71 13.46 72.84029 6 437.0417
1 32.18 69.35 13.60 70.16296 6 420.9778
2 31.54 67.97 13.19 72.43635 12 869.2362
SLAB
3 31.46 67.80 13.16 72.70225 12 872.427
3
4 31.54 67.97 13.19 72.43635 12 869.2362
5 32.18 69.35 13.60 70.16296 6 420.9778
1 33.19 71.53 13.61 66.61888 6 399.7133
2 32.57 71.19 13.60 68.79339 12 825.5207
SLAB
3 32.5 70.04 13.60 69.04207 12 828.5048
4
4 32.57 71.19 13.60 68.79339 12 825.5207
5 33.19 71.53 13.61 66.61888 6 399.7133
1 34.43 74.20 14.14 62.30685 6 373.8411
2 33.83 72.90 13.97 64.41651 12 772.9981
SLAB
3 33.76 72.75 13.97 64.66008 12 775.921
5
4 33.83 72.90 13.97 64.41651 12 772.9981
5 34.43 74.20 14.14 62.30685 6 373.8411
1 35.31 77.37 14.66 57.2747 6 343.6482
2 35.31 76.09 14.44 59.30891 12 711.7069
SLAB
3 35.24 75.94 14.41 59.55179 12 714.6215
6
4 35.31 76.09 14.44 59.30891 12 711.7069
5 35.31 77.37 14.66 57.2747 6 343.6482
1 37.52 80.86 14.80 54.05185 6 324.3111
2 36.97 79.67 14.79 54.96301 12 659.5561
SLAB
3 36.90 79.52 14.79 55.08306 12 660.9968
7
4 36.97 79.67 14.79 54.96301 12 659.5561
5 37.52 80.86 14.80 54.05185 6 324.3111
1 39.31 84.71 14.84 51.04643 6 306.2786
2 38.79 83.59 14.83 51.90264 12 622.8316
SLAB
3 38.73 83. 46 14.83 52.02171 12 624.2605
8
4 38.79 83.59 14.83 51.90264 12 622.8316
5 39.31 84.71 14.84 51.04643 6 306.2786
1 41.25 88.90 15.29 47.80629 6 286.8378
2 40.75 87.82 15.10 48.65491 12 583.859
SLAB
3 40.69 87.69 15.08 48.72572 12 584.7087
9
4 40.7 5 87.82 15.10 48.65491 12 583.859
5 41.25 88.90 15.29 47.80629 6 286.8378
1 43.31 92.34 15.96 43.39324 6 260.3594
2 42.83 92.30 15.95 43.4537 12 521.4444
SLAB
3 42.78 92.19 15.93 43.61653 12 523.3984
10
4 42.83 92.30 15.95 43.4537 12 521.4444
5 43.31 92.34 15.96 43.39324 6 260.3594
1 45.47 97.99 16.67 38.62713 3 115.8814
2 45.02 97.02 16.54 39.33872 6 236.0323
SLAB
3 44.96 96.89 16.52 39.43064 6 236.5839
11
4 45.02 97.02 16.54 39.33872 6 236.0323
5 45.47 97.99 16.67 38.62713 3 115.8814

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 Blast Load Analysis and Effect on High Rise Structures

4. ANALYSIS OF RESULTS
This load is given in put to the SAP2000 software as time history function. The time history
analysis is carried out by considering nonlinearity and response up to 10 seconds can be
drawn. After analyzing following results appeared for the joint of frame. Some damage
caused by this load in a near beam column joints. Fig. 4: plot function of displacement vs.
time for joint 6. Fig. 5: plot function of velocity vs. time for joint 6. Fig. 6: plot function of
acceleration vs. time for joint 6. Fig. 7: plot function of displacement vs. time for joint 1678.
Fig. 8: plot function of velocity vs. time for joint 1678. Fig. 9: plot function of acceleration vs.
time for joint 1678.

Figure 4 displacement vs. time Figure 5 velocity vs. time

Figure 6 acceleration vs. time Figure 7 displacement vs. time

Figure 8 velocity vs. time Figure 9 acceleration vs. time

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 Boyina sita Rama Krishna and Jinka Chandra Sekhar

There are no walls in drag structures, stress will be developed in shells. The response
(story displacement and story drift) of the drag structure at the respect distance. Fig 10:
maximum story displacement at critical distance 30m. Fig 11: maximum story drift at critical
distance 30m.

Figure 10 story displacement Figure 11 story drift

5. CONCLUSION
The Present study of this paper a G+10 RCC building is analyzed for blast load for 100kg
TNT placed at a distance of 30m from the point of explosion. Blast load in each point was
calculated from IS 4991-1968 and nonlinear time history is carried out of finite element
analysis software SAP2000. After nonlinear dynamic analysis structure subjected to blast
load, following conclusion were drawn.
1. Variation of displacement is non uniform along the height of building and earth
earthquake and wind (building is not behaving as cantilever structure under blast
load).
2. Minimum standoff distance performance level of structure is reached to collapse.
Much load will be acting on the near beam column joints.
3. G+10 RCC frame structure designed for normal load case performance responsibly
well, without catastrophic collapse, when subjected to blast is equivalent to
100kgTNT at a standoff distance 30m.
4. The performance level of structure joints critical when it close to the blast (slab 1
joints are caused some effect of blast explosion). Hinges are developed in all
beams and columns.
5. For a supreme structure (police headquarters, commercial complex malls,
assembles, parliaments etc.), blast load analysis need to kept view on terrorist
activities in today’s scenario.

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 Blast Load Analysis and Effect on High Rise Structures

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