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Abstract

A single blast on a critical structural element is destructive; however, the results could be catastrophic when multiple blasts occur around a single structural element, such as a column. From the literature review section, it has been found that there is a critical lack of research in this field; hence, this research must investigate the response of circular hollow steel columns (CHS) during multiple blast events through a parametric study.

This study was completed by using a finite element analysis program, LUSAS, and modelling an 8-faced CHS into the program. The compressive load forces were calculated based on a three-storey building and applied directly on top of the column. As the column is circular, the blast pressure behaves differently when applied on the front and side surface of the column. Hence, the blast load was calculated separately for the front faces (peak pressure 700 kPa) and side faces (peak pressure 165 kPa) which are applied directly to the faces of the column. Three parameters were investigated, the supports, thickness, and blast direction. The column was analysed based on its deflection, bending moment, and capability under the compressive and blast loads.

It was found that the column has the least resistance to blast when multiple explosions happen at a close angle, such as 270° and 315° degrees, due to the blast impulses shared on the same column surface. From the findings, it was analysed that the CHS column has high resistance toward blasts in case of higher thickness and sprint stiffener support; however, it was noted that the thickness of the column has a limited effect on the column's ability to resist blast. Additionally, it was noted that the deflection obtained when using pinned and spring stiffeners were nearly the same in a single blast, with the roller being higher. The results showed that when designing a warehouse or a building, any explosive such as from stored materials or gas line, should not be placed surrounding the column, and if placed, then should be spaced by 180° degrees around the column. However, further research must be carried out on multiple blasts, especially as experimental, to understand further the effect of multiple blasts on the column parameters. This study discussed and compared papers analysing blast conditions on steel columns. 

Course: Civil Engineering with Structural Engineering - MSc - C1369

Date Deposited: 2023-02-13

URI/permalink: https://library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis14103.html