Experimental versus analytical response of structures to blast loads

Standard methods for blast testing of structural materials and components are not currently available, but the designer must have a sense about the accuracy of the analytical and numerical methods used in blast analysis and the justification for accepting the results of different models. The objective of this chapter is to present the results of field tests conducted by the writers on full scale reinforced concrete and structural steel beams and columns. Extensive data captured during the test, including incident and reflective pressure, member displacements and strains, will be compared with results of some empirical and numerical models. The relative accuracy of the models will be gauged and the validity of certain assumptions in these models will be examined. Finally, recommendations regarding the suitability of each model and the need for standardizing test methods to assess the blast resistance of structures and the properties of materials under high strain rates will be highlighted. © 2012 Taylor & Francis Group.