Optimization design for blast resistant walls [abstract]

Abstract

Blast retrofits on the market today are either barriers that shield the blast effects, or wall retrofits that absorb the blast effects. Good engineering practice to better optimize these designs is to find the balance between each component as it affects the system. In this study, the focus will be on sheet steel for blast retrofits. Sheet steel is used on the interior side of an exterior wall to absorb the blast effects, debris and momentum of the wall, in order to protect the occupants. Many components make up this blast retrofit system. Each component of the system must be evaluated to achieve the desired failure mode. For example, the base plates must not be too stiff or the sheets will shear from them. Conversely, if the base plates are too weak, the sheets will pull out around their anchorage. Once again, a balance of the components must be determined to achieve the desired performance from the system. This work will find that balance and determine the limits of the application. The research result will allow design engineers to select the optimum combination of wall-to-concrete floor anchorage, wall parameters, and retrofit system parameters.