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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CIVIL AND STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING

Volume 4, No 1, 2013
© Copyright by the authors - Licensee IPA- Under Creative Commons license 3.0
Research article ISSN 0976 – 4399

Dynamic response of a space framed structure subjected to blast load


Jayashree.S.M1, R.Rakul Bharatwaj2, Helen Santhi.M3
1- PG Student, School of Mechanical and Building Science, VIT University Chennai Campus
2- PG Student, Civil Engineering Department, NIT Warangal, Andhra Pradesh
3 – Professor, School of Mechanical and Building Science, VIT University Chennai Campus
jayashree.1610@gmail.com
doi: 10.6088/ijcser.201304010010

ABSTRACT

This paper investigates the dynamic response of a space framed structure due to blast load.
An explosion due to blast load can cause devastating damage on the building causing collapse
of entire structure and loss of human life. Studies have been conducted on the dynamic
response of structures to blast load. These studies generally help in enhancing the
understanding of structural behavior to blast load. In this paper an attempt has been made to
use Slurry Infiltrated Fiber Reinforced Concrete (SIFCON), a type of FRC with high fiber
content as an alternative material to Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC). SIFCON has high
energy absorption capacity, higher strength and it is highly ductile. Space framed models are
developed and time history analysis is carried out for blast load using the software package
SAP 2000. The properties of SIFCON and RCC are derived from the experiments. The
dynamic characteristics such as fundamental frequency, mode shapes are evaluated. The
displacement time history response of frames with SIFCON and RCC due to blast load is
compared. The results showed that the reduction in the displacement of about 25-30 % is
achieved using SIFCON.

Keyword: Blast load, dynamic Response, RCC, SIFCON, SAP2000, Time History Analysis.

1. Introduction
In the past few years, a structure subjected to blast load gained importance due to accidental
events or natural events. Generally conventional structures are not designed for blast load due
to the reason that the magnitude of load caused by blast is huge and, the cost of design and
construction is very high. As a result, the structure is susceptible to damage from blast load.
Recent past blast incidents in the country trigger the minds of developers, architects and
engineers to find solutions to protect the occupants and structures from blast disasters.

Concrete is the prime building material in construction industry. In the foreseeable future,
there seems to be no alternative to concrete as a construction material. Although strength of
concrete is most important, it is also necessary that the concrete is durable, workable and
provide a good service life. For example, when a structure is subjected to blast load, the
structure should be good enough to protect the building from damage and occupants from
death. This made the engineers to think seriously and to find out the appropriate technology
for improving the performance of concrete subjected to blast load. Increase in demand and
decrease in supply of aggregates for the production of concrete results in the need to identify
new sources of aggregates. SIFCON gains importance because it eliminates the use of coarse
aggregate. SIFCON gained its importance because it is perfect for protecting structures from
explosions, like bombs or industrial accidents, and preventing projectiles from damaging the
structure. To protect the structure from blasting and explosion, SIFCON could be the one

Received on June, 2013 Published on August 2013 98


Dynamic response of a space framed structure subjected to blast load
Jayashree.S.M

better solution. In 1960's, the analysis of blast load in design of structures was initiated. The
U.S army released a publications for the structures designed to resist accidental explosion.

Philip Esper in 2003 investigated the protection against blast for existing and future structures.
Tests done on the site and numerical analysis were the highlights. He concluded from his
studies that ductile materials absorb strain energy to a significant extent but brittle materials
fail abruptly. Ghani Razagpur et al in 2006 analyzed the RCC panel behavior exposed to blast
load. These panels were retrofitted with glass fiber reinforced polymers. The results indicated
that the glass fiber reinforced polymer is not suitable under all condition and experimental
works can ascertain the strengthening effects better than theoretical study.

Ronald in 2006 investigated the behavior of steel columns subjected to axial and lateral blast
load. The finite element package ABAQUS was used for modeling the structure with
different slenderness and boundary conditions. The blast load applied to the structure was not
uniform. The changes in the displacement time histories and formation of plastic hinge were
noticed. This is due to the changing of axial load [6]. Ngo in 2007 has given an overall view
on the analysis and design of buildings subjected to blast load. This was done to get better
knowledge about blast loads and the dynamic response of the different structural components.
With this study, he concluded the design considerations for adverse events like bomb blasts
or impacts with high velocity.

2. Methodology

The methodology adopted in the investigation is shown in figure 1.

Figure 1: Figure showing the methodology adopted

3. Theoretical investigation

A three storey space framed building using conventional RCC (M25) and SIFCON is
considered for the investigation. The height of each storey is 3 m. The column size used in

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Dynamic response of a space framed structure subjected to blast load
Jayashree.S.M

the building is 300 x 300 mm. The size of the beam is 250 x 450 mm. Slab thickness is 100
mm and thickness of the wall is 230 mm. Seismic weight of the building at each floor is
computed with a live load of 3kN/m2. Considering the building with rigid beams, the spring
constant, k is calculated using the formula 12EI/h3. The material properties are obtained from
the experimental results. The modulus of elasticity of beam specimens with RCC and
different percentages of SIFCON is found individually from the Stress Vs Strain behaviour.
Table 1presents the modulus of elasticity of the beams with various SIFCON ratio. Based on
the flexural behaviour beams, it is found that the 40 % SIFCON showed high flexural
strength and modulus of elasticity [8].
Table 1: Table showing the modulus of elasticity of various beams

RCC SIFCON Modulus of


SL.NO
(%) (%) Elasticity(N/mm²)
1 100 - 23158
2 - 100 20953
3 80 20 21349
4 70 30 32633
5 60 40 39067
6 50 50 28282

Modal analysis has been done manually using the spring constant and seismic mass of each
floor. Eigen values are found for both RCC and SIFCON frames. Using the Eigen values,
natural frequency, circular frequency and the time period are calculated for both the frames.
Figure. 2, 3 and 4 show the comparison of first three modes obtained for RCC and SIFCON.
It can be seen that the mode shapes of both RCC and SIFCON frames show similar behavior.

Figure 2 : Figure showing the mode shape 1

Figure 3 : Figure showing the Mode shape 2


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Dynamic response of a space framed structure subjected to blast load
Jayashree.S.M

Figure 4 : Figure showing the Mode shape 3


Figure.5 shows the comparison of natural frequencies obtained for RCC and SIFCON. It can
be seen that the fundamental frequency of SIFCON is about 30 % more than that of RCC.
This depicts the strength and stiffness characteristics of SIFCON frame over RCC.

Figure 5: Figure showing the Comparison of frequencies


4. Analytical investigation

4.1 Modeling of frame


The space frame building is modeled in SAP 2000. The beams and columns are modeled as
frame elements and the slab is modeled as a shell element. The wall load is assigned on the
beams. The bottom of the frame is fixed. The diaphragm action is considered at every floor
level. The beams and columns are properly connected using the end offsets provision.
Figure.6 shows the 3 D model of the frame building using SAP.

Figure 6 : Figure showing the 3-D Model of the building

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Dynamic response of a space framed structure subjected to blast load
Jayashree.S.M

4.2 Modal analysis using SAP


The seismic weight is lumped at centre of mass at each floor level. Modal analysis has been
carried out in SAP for both RCC and SIFCON frames. The mode shapes and frequencies of
the frames are found out. Typical mode shapes of RCC and SIFCON frames are shown in
Figure. 7 and 8, respectively. It is observed that the mode shapes obtained from analysis are
same as that of theoretical approach.

Figure 7 : Figure showing the typical mode shape for RCC frame

Figure 8 : Figure showing the typical mode shape for SIFCON frame

Figure.9 shows the comparison of natural frequencies obtained for RCC and SIFCON frames
analytically. It can be seen that the fundamental frequency of SIFCON is 30 % more than that
of RCC in analytical approach also. Table 2 gives the comparison of fundamental frequency
of RCC and SIFCON frames. It is found that the results are reasonable and difference is

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around 10 %. The difference may be due to the meshing size of the slab generated in the
model.

Figure 9: Figure showing the Comparison of frequencies

Table 2: Table showing Comparison of natural frequencies

Fundamental Frequency (Hz)


RCC SIFCON
Theoretical 1.52 1.96
Analytical 1.6 1.76

4.3 Time History Analysis


After modal analysis, a short duration blast load is applied to the frames and the displacement
response is studied. The air pressure wave caused by the blast as shown in Figure.10 and it is
given as input for non-linear time history analysis in SAP.

Figure 10 :Figure showing the Air pressure wave


Non-linear time history analysis is performed for both RCC and SIFCON frames to
determine the dynamic response. The dynamic response is measured in terms of displacement
time history at each floor level of the frames. Figures 11 and 12 depicts the displacement time
history of RCC and SIFCON frames, respectively

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Dynamic response of a space framed structure subjected to blast load
Jayashree.S.M

.
Figure 11: Figure showing the Displacement time history of RCC frame

Figure 12 : Figure showing the Displacement time history of SIFCON frame


The comparison of maximum displacement at each floor level is shown in Figure.13. It is
observed that the displacement of SIFCON frame is about 25-30 % less than that of RCC
frame. This reveals that SIFCON has the capacity to resist blast load.

Figure 13 : Figure showing the Comparison of Displacement

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Dynamic response of a space framed structure subjected to blast load
Jayashree.S.M

5. Conclusion

This study deals with the theoretical and analytical investigation on dynamic response of a
structure subjected to blast loading. Based on the results the following conclusions are drawn.

1. The overall dynamic behavior of SIFCON frame is better than that of RCC frame.
2. The fundamental frequency of SIFCON frame is about 30% more than that of RCC
frame.
3. The reduction in displacement of about 25-30 % is achieved using SIFCON.
4. Reduction in displacement shows the capacity of SIFCON in resisting blast load than
the conventional RCC, thereby minimizes the damage.

6. References

1. Nitesh.N Moon., (2009), Prediction of blast loading and its impact on buildings,
National Institute of Technology, Rourkela.

2. Abdel Hafez.A, and Ahmed. S.,(2004) ,Shear behavior of high-strength fiber


reinforced RCC beams, Journal of Engineering Science, Assuit University,32, pp 79-
96.

3. Balaguru.P.M and Shah.S.P.,(1992), Fiber reinforced RCC composites, McGraw-Hill


Inc., New York.

4. Bill Keane and Philip Esper.,(2009), Forensic investigation of blast damage to british
buildings, Proceedings of the ICE - Civil Engineering, pp 4-11.

5. Ghani Razaqpur.A, Ahmed Tolba, Ettore Contestabile ,(2007), Blast loading response
of reinforced concrete panels reinforced with externally bonded GFRP laminates,
Composites: Part B, 38, pp 535–546.

6. Ronald L.S., (2006), Response of wide flange steel columns subjected to constant
axial load and lateral blast load, Civil Engineering Department, Blacksburg, Virginia.

7. Ngo.T, Mendis.P Gupta.P and Ramsay.J, (2007), Blast Loading and blast effects on
structure, The University of Melbourne, Australia.

8. Jayashree.S.M, Rakul Bharatwaj.R and Dr.Helen Santhi.M, (2013), Flexural


behaviour of SIFCON Beams, International Journal of Engineering Research and
Technology, 2(2), pp 1-7.

9. SAP Theory manual, Version 2000.

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