Author(s)

T. Tadepalli & C. L. Mullen

Abstract

A simplified procedure for blast simulation is presented for the purpose of performing building vulnerability assessment in a framework consistent with natural hazards mitigation planning studies. A computational tool, FESIM, has been developed to perform simplified building damage simulation using a GUI driven set of algorithms. FESIM permits estimation of the dynamic response of SDOF and MDOF systems to arbitrary forcing functions, and includes a beam-column damage element for computation of nonlinear response of portal frames including laminated composite beams with varying material and laminate layout sequences. The procedure begins with the formation of stiffness and mass matrices for computation of natural modes and frequencies of the portal frames. Blast loading-time histories are then generated and SDOF elasto-plastic response is computed to determine P-I curves. Geospatial analysis is used to display blast pressure contours for scenario events affecting a complex of buildings. The damage to buildings and debris created are estimated using the P-I curves developed for the class of buildings in the complex, and losses are computed based on the occupancy, structural value and content value. The procedure is demonstrated for buildings located at the University of Mississippi being studied as part of a federally sponsored Disaster Resistant University project. Keywords: FE Simulation, blast loading, GIS, mitigation planning. 1 Introduction The design of military structures for blast loads follows well laid design guidelines. The same is not the case when it comes to designing civilian structures for blast resistance. The technology transfer from military to civilian spheres of design has yet not been fully realized. Most of the design and analysis tools are not accessible to civil planners and designers, whose primary focus is

Keywords

FE Simulation, blast loading, GIS, mitigation planning.