Blast Resistant Building Design, (Part 2 of 2): Calculating

Building Structural Response

Basic Information:

After determining the distribution of the blast loads on the overall building (see Blast Resistant
Building Design – Part 1, Defining the Blast Loads), the engineer must distribute the loading to
the individual structural member.  The response of building to a blast load may be analyzed
using dynamic structural analyses ranging from the basic single degree of freedom analysis
(SDOF) method to nonlinear transient dynamic finite element analysis (FEA). In this article, the
SDOF method is defined and an example calculation is illustrated.

All structures, regardless of how simple the construction, posses more than one degree of
freedom. However, many structures can be adequately represented as a series of SDOF systems
for analysis purposes. The accuracy obtainable from a SDOF approximation depends on how
well the deformed shape of the structure and its resistance can be represented with respect to
time. Sufficiently accurate results can usually be obtained for primary load carrying components
of structures such as beams, girders, columns, wall panels, diaphragms and shear walls. 
However, it is very difficult to capture the overall system response if a building is broken into
discrete components with simplified boundary conditions using the SDOF approach, with the
result that the SDOF method may be overly conservative.

Nonlinear finite element analysis methods may be used to evaluate the dynamic response of a
single building module or a multi-module assembly to blast loads. This global approach can
remove some of the conservatism associated with breaking the building up into its many
components when using the SDOF approach. Geometric and material non-linearity effects are
normally utilized in such analyses. These analyses are typically carried out using a finite element
program capable of modeling nonlinear material and geometric behavior in the time domain. The
following shows a finite element model for a six-module complex:

 FEA video

SDOF Analysis:
All structures consist of more than one degree of freedom. The basic analytical model used in
most blast design application is the single degree of freedom (SDOF) system. In many cases,
structural components subject to blast load can be modeled as an equivalent SDOF mass-spring
system with a nonlinear spring. This is illustrated below:

 The accuracy obtainable from a SDOF approximation depends on how well the deformed shape
of the structure and its resistance can be represented with respect to time. Sufficiently accurate
results can usually be obtained for primary load carrying components of structures such as
beams, girders, columns, and wall panels.  However, it is very difficult to capture the overall
system response if a building is broken into discrete components with simplified boundary
conditions using the SDOF approach, with the result that the SDOF method may be overly
conservative.

The properties of the equivalent SDOF system are also based on load and mass transformation
factors, which are calculated to cause conservation of energy between the equivalent SDOF
system and the component assuming a deformed component shape and that the deflection of the
equivalent SDOF system equals the maximum deflection of the component at each time. The
mass and dynamic loads of the equivalent system are based on the component mass and blast
load, respectively, and the spring stiffness and yield load are based on the component flexural
stiffness and lateral load capacity.

The “effective” mass, damping, resistance, and force terms in Equation 1 cause the equivalent
SDOF system to represent a given blast-loaded component responding in a given assumed mode
shape such that the SDOF system has the same work, strain, and kinetic energies at each
response time as the structural component.

M a + C v + K y = F(t)                        

where:

M = effective mass of equivalent SDOF system

a = acceleration of the mass
C = effective viscous damping constant of equivalent SDOF system
v = velocity of the mass
K= effective resistance of equivalent SDOF system
y = displacement of the mass
F(t) = effective load history

When damping is ignored, where damping is usually conservatively ignored in the blast resistant
design, elastic system then becomes,

M a + K y = F(t)                           

In the blast analyses, the resistance (R) is usually specified as a nonlinear function to simulate
elastic-plastic behavior of the structure.

M a + R = F(t)                       

For convenience, the Equation is simplified through the use of a single load-mass transformation
factor, KLM, as follows:

KLMM a + K y = F(t)                         

Where, KLM = KM/KL

The transformation factors for common one- and two-way structural members are readily
available from several sources (Biggs 1964, UFC 3-340-02 2008). Blast loadings, F(t), act on a
structure for relatively short durations of time and are therefore considered as transient dynamic
loads. Solutions for Equation are available in the UFC 3-340-02 (2008) and Biggs (1964).

The response of actual structural components to blast load can be determined by calculating
response of “equivalent” SDOF systems. The equivalent SDOF system is an elastic-plastic
spring-mass system with properties (M, K, Ru) equal to the corresponding properties of the
component modified by transformation factors. The deflection of the spring-mass system will be
equal to the deflection of a characteristic point on the actual system, i.e. the maximum deflection.
To perform equivalent SDOF, the assumption of a deformed shape for the actual system is
required.

The majority of dynamic analyses performed in blast resistant design of petrochemical facilities
are made using SDOF approximation. The dynamic responses of all structures were calculated in
accordance with the procedures in the ASCE and Department of Army’s Technical Manual. The
following figure (from UFC 3-340-02) shows the maximum deflection of elasto-plastic, one-
degree of freedom system for triangular load and this figure is typical graphical solution of
SDOF.
 

 Additionally, P-I diagrams can be developed using SDOF analysis. The concept of P-I diagram
method is to mathematically relate a specific damage level to a range of blast pressure and
corresponding impulses for a particular structural component. When the P-I diagram is available
for a structural component, for a given blast load, the damage level can be obtained directly from
the P-I diagram.

 The following table from ASCE 1997 shows the response criteria used to define damage levels.
  

SDOF Example:

This example shows the SDOF analysis for 40’(L)X12’(W)X11’(H) single module blast resistant
enclosure. The building is designed to resist a free field overpressure of 8 psi with 200ms
duration for “medium damage”.  The SDOF analysis combines both dynamic analysis and
structural evaluation into a single procedure which can be used to rapidly assess potential
damage for a given blast load.

NOTES:  Notations in parenthesis are from Reference 1.

                Calculations assume the following:               1.  The angle of incidence of the blast (angle
between radius of blast from the source and front wall or
                     roof plate) is 0 degrees.               2.  A triangular blast load is assumed

               3.  The blast load is uniformly distributed across the building front wall and roof plate.        
 

It is conservatively assumed in the analysis that the blast load can be from any direction around
the building. As a result, all walls can be subjected to reflected pressure during a blast event.  For
analysis purpose, the free field overpressure is converted into local pressure loads for the
building front wall, side wall, rear wall, and roof (see Blast Resistant Building Design – Part 1,
Defining the Blast Loads).

Roof Joists:
Member       W6×15  
Area, A       4.43 in^2
Plastic Modulus, Z     10.8 in^3
Moment of Inertia,
I     29.1 in^4
Weight/ft, Wt     15 lbs/ft
Support Weight, Ws 7.67 psf
Total Weight, Wtotal   13.295 psf
Elasticity, E     29000000 psi
Yield Strength, Fy     50000 psi
Dynamic Increase Factor, DIF  1.19  
Strength Increase Factor, SIF   1.1  
Spacing, w     32 in
Length, L 132 in
Gravitational Constant, g   386*10^-6 in/ms^2

Dynamic Strength, Fdy=DIF*SIF*Fy =  239.2 psi-ms2/in

Elastic Stiffness, Ke =(384*E*I)/(5*L4*w)= 6.67 psi/in                  

Dynamic Strength, Fdy=DIF*SIF*Fy = 65,450 psi                       

Ultimate Bending Resistance, Ru = 8(Mpc+Mps)/(L2*w) = 20.3 psi           

Equivalent Mass, Me = KLM*M = 184.17 psi-ms2/in

Natural Period, tn = 2*pi*SQRT(Me/K) =  33.00 ms                      

Equivalent Elastic Deflection, Xe = Ru/Ke= 3.04 in                     

td/tn =  6.06

Ru/P =  2.54

Xm/Xe=            0.9        from the figure below:

  

Ductility Factor, m =0.9  which must be less than Allowable, ma = 10, Design O.K.           

Maximum Deflection, Xm = m*Xe = 2.7 in                                                           

Rotation Factor, q = atan(Xm/(0.5*L)) = 2.4, which must be less than Allowable, qa =        6,
Design O.K.

  

Intermediate Column:

Member      
      HSS  6×6x1/2  
Area, A     9.74 in^2
Plastic Modulus, Z   19.8 in^3
Moment of Inertia,
I   48.3 in^4
Weight/ft, Wt   35.11 lbs/ft
Supported Weight, Ws 7.67 psf
Total Weight, Wtotal 22.7 psf
Elasticity, E   29,000,000 psi
Yield Strength, Fy   46,000 psi
Dynamic Increase Factor, DIF1.1  
Strength Increase Factor, SIF 1.21  
Spacing, w   28 in
Length, L 125 in
Gravitational Constant, g 386*10^-6 in/ms^2
Mass, Wtotal/g = 408.7 psi-ms2/in                                                        

Elastic Stiffness, Ke =(384*E*I)/(5*L4*w)= 15.74 psi/in                             

Dynamic Strength, Fdy=DIF*SIF*Fy = 61,226 psi                                   

Ultimate Bending Resistance, Ru = 8*(Mpc+Mps)/(L2*w) = 44.3 psi         

Equivalent Mass, Me = KLM*M = 314.70 psi-ms2/in        

Natural Period, tn = 2*pi*SQRT(Me/K) =  28.08 ms                                 

Equivalent Elastic Deflection, Xe = Ru/Ke= 2.82 in          

  

Ductility Factor, m = 0.4 which must be less than Allowable, ma = 2, Design O.K.

Maximum Deflection, Xm = m*Xe = 1.1 in

Rotation Factor, q = atan(Xm/(0.5*L)) = 1.0 which must be less than Allowable, qa = 1.5,
Design O.K.      

Each structural member of the building must be analyzed in a similar fashion for the applied
blast load and compared against the respective damage levels.

Pat Lashley, PE, MBA –Vice President of Engineering

MBI

Minkwan Kim, PhD — Design Engineer

MBI

  

References:

1. American Society of Civil Engineers (1997), “Design of Blast Resistant Buildings in

Petrochemical Facilities”, ASCE  Task Committee on Blast Resistant Design.

2. Unified Facilities Criteria (2008), “UFC 3-340-02 Structures to Resist the Effects of
Accidental Explosions“, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Naval Facilities Engineering Command
& Air Force Civil Engineer Support Agency (Superseded Army TM5-1300, Navy NAVFAC P-
397, and Air Force AFR 88-22, dated November 1990).

3.John M. Biggs (1964), “Introduction to Structural Dynamics”, McGraw-Hill Companies.

MB Industries, LLC (MBI) hereby advises that we take no responsibility and bear no liability to
anyone who attempts to create any of the factual situations described in the above processes or
otherwise detailed in this article.  This article outlines dangerous scenarios and everything
described herein requires the skill and proficiency of experts.  These factual situations and
scenarios should not be reproduced in any fashion without the technical and expert support of
blast engineering specialists.  This information is promulgated to potential clients in industries
or political situations where the threat to personnel and property by blast or explosion is ever
present, and who require our technology to provide protection and safety in order to prevent
damage and tragedies that often occur in these hazardous situations.  Please contact MBI for
more information.

2.3 FLOOR ELEVATION

1. The floor elevation of portable BRMs shall be at least 150 mm (6 in) above
surrounding grade to avoid flooding.
2. Portable BRMs SHALL [PS] not be elevated or placed on piers, exposing the bottom
of the module to blast pressures.
3. Sufficient anchoring SHALL [PS] be provided to avoid overturning and significant
lateral movement in the event of a blast load.
This might require the provision of a concrete foundation slab.

10.1 TYPES OF GROUT

10.1.1 Sand-cement grout
The use shall be limited to grouting of minor steel structures (e.g. instrument stands) only.
The grout shall be a mixture of one part of Portland cement and three parts of clean fine sand.
The grout shall have a minimum crushing strength of 20 N/mm 2 after 28 days and not less
than 13 N/mm2 at 7 days.
The sand aggregate shall comply with the relevant sections of BS 812 or equivalent code with
respect to mechanical, physical and chemical properties, and be capable of freely passing a
filter mesh of 1.5 mm.
10.1.2 Non-shrink grout
A grout is regarded as non-shrink if its volume is not less than the initial volume, after
hardening for 28 days. During this period the test specimens shall have been completely
protected against drying, evaporating, carbonation and exposure to temperatures outside the
range 23 °C 3 °C.
The type and brand of non-shrink grout shall, after approval, be indicated on the drawings
and/or specification for concrete work
Contractor shall supply the Manufacturer's data sheets and certificates.
The grout shall be free of chlorides and shall have a pouring consistency.
A metal-oxidising or gypsum-forming non-shrink grout shall not be used.
Non-shrink grout shall be applied under all major steel structures and stationary, rotating and
reciprocating equipment. The selection of the type of grout for rotating and reciprocating
equipment shall be in accordance with DEP 31.29.00.10-Gen.
In general one of the following types of non-shrink grout shall be used:
- cement-based non-shrink grout, with a minimum compressive strength of 75 N/mm 2;
- epoxy-based non-shrink grout, with a minimum compressive strength of 95 N/mm 2.

10.3 APPLICATION
10.3.1 Grouting of rotating/reciprocating equipment
For grouting of this equipment reference is made to DEP 31.29.00.10-Gen.