Behaviour of RC Slab Subjected to Blast Loading

Numerical modelling using the finite element (FE) technique is an effective tool for simulating blast load on structures. In the present study finite element (FE) simulations using software LS-DYNA R8.1.0 are used to evaluate and compare the response of RC slabs under different blast loadings of 2, 4 and 6 kg TNT, at a stand-off distance of 1.5 m from the surface of the slab. RC slab of size 3.6 m × 3.0 m × 0.2 m, reinforced on one face with two-way steel bars of 12 mm diameter with three different concrete compressive strengths; 30, 40 and 50 MPa is considered for blast load analysis. On analysing RC slabs of different concrete strengths under different blast loads, it is observed that the response of the RC slab is significantly affected by the concrete compressive strength and the weight of the TNT. The displacement of the RC slab considerably increases with increasing blast load and decreasing concrete compressive strength. This study can be an aid to the technological support for mitigating harmful effects of blast on structures.