infrastructures

Case Report
Blast Loading Response of Reinforced Concrete
Panels Externally Reinforced with Steel Strips
Rizwan Khan, Syed Hassan Farooq and Muhammad Usman *
School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Science and Technology, Sector H-12,
Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
* Correspondence: m.usman@kaist.ac.kr




Received: 31 May 2019; Accepted: 9 August 2019; Published: 18 August 2019


Abstract: Frequent terrorist activities, the use of vehicle bomb blasts and improvised explosive
devices (IEDs) have brought forth the task of protection against blasts as a priority issue for engineers.
Terrorists mostly target the areas where human and economic losses are significantly higher. It is
really challenging to study the effects of blast loading on structures due to numerous variables.
For instance, the type of detonation charge, explosive material, placement of charge and standoff
distance, etc., are a few of the variables which make the system more complicated. Reinforced
cement concrete (RCC) wall panels are commonly used for protecting important installations and
buildings. In this research, the response of RCC wall panels has been investigated due to the blast
effect caused by two TNT charge weights of 50 kg and 100 kg. These two charge weights have been
selected after a detailed study of terrorist activities in the recent past. For this purpose, an existing
arrangement at an important military installation, i.e., NESCOM Hospital Islamabad in Pakistan, has
been selected. To reduce computational efforts, three RCC wall panels, placed side by side producing
a continuous front along with a corresponding boundary and structural wall, have been considered.
RCC wall panels are placed at a distance of 3 ft from the perimeter of the boundary wall and 23 ft
from the structural wall. The displacement on the front face of RCC wall panels and the structural
wall is measured at three levels of top, middle and bottom. ANSYS AUTODYN software has been
used to simulate the model. Analysis has been carried out to identify and study the weakness
of existing arrangements. Literature was reviewed for suggesting an appropriate strengthening
technique for existing structures against blast loading. It was found that in addition to existing
strengthening techniques, use of steel strips is amongst the most feasible technique for strengthening
existing structures. It not only significantly enhanced the blast performance of structures, but it also
significantly reduced z-direction displacements and pressures. The results show that the use of steel
strips as the improvement technique for already placed RCC wall panels can be effective against a
blast loading of up to 100 kg TNT.

Keywords: blast loading; TNT explosion; RCC wall panels; strengthening technique

1. Introduction
Blast explosions and terrorist attacks at different public and military places have increased
considerably during the last decade [1]. Lifeline structures are the most vulnerable targets for terrorist
activities. Terrorists mostly fix their targets at places where human and economic losses are significantly
higher. Hospitals, schools and government buildings are easy targets for terrorists [2]. Terrorist
activities result in the loss and injury of thousands of human lives and in catastrophic damage to
infrastructure around the globe. Blast events near buildings may damage structural and non-structural
members. Major damage caused from blast explosions is due to huge dynamic force, which is usually
more than the anticipated design load, which ultimately causes the structure to collapse [3]. It is

Infrastructures 2019, 4, 54; doi:10.3390/infrastructures4030054 www.mdpi.com/journal/infrastructures

Infrastructures 2019, 4, 54 2 of 16

challenging to analyze and design the structures against blast loading because of incalculable blast
scenarios. It is really challenging to study the effects of blast loading on structures due to numerous
variables such as the kind of detonation charge, material, placement and standoff distance. Hence,
for the designing of blast resistant structures, maximum possible scenarios are necessary to be studied
which may not be achievable without the use of software.
Reinforced concrete structures are widely used in the construction industry [4]. Reinforced cement
concrete (RCC) structures are designed for specific loading. However, due to frequent terrorist activities
and blast explosions, these structures face severe loading [1]. Blast loading acts for a very short duration
and is much greater than designed loads [3]. Due to the large dynamic loading, structural members
fail [2] and casualties/injuries occur. To cater to the effects of blast loading on structures, different
protective/retrofitting techniques have been identified. Previous studies have shown that aramid
fiber reinforced plastics (AFRP) [5], fiber reinforced polymers (FRP) [6], ultra-high performance fiber
reinforced concrete [7], glass fiber reinforced polymers (GFRP) [8], carbon fiber reinforced polymers [9],
polyurethane elastomers [10], steel jacketing [11], strain hardening cementations composites [12], steel
plates [13], glass curtain walls [14] and RCC wall panels [15] are the available strengthening/retrofitting
techniques used against blast loading.
Numerical evaluations of the blast resistance of RCC slabs strengthened with aramid fiber
reinforced plastics showed that the strength of the AFRP slab is 20% more than GFRP and the damage
of the AFRP strengthened slab is also lower than GFRP [5]. Studies on the behavior of ultra-high
performance fiber reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) and HSRC columns subjected to blast loading
conclude that the post blast crack patterns, permanent deflections and different levels of damage of
UHPFRC columns show superior blast loading resistance as compared to HSRC columns. Modeling
the response of reinforced concrete panels under blast loading has concluded that the mass of the
explosive charge and the standoff distance have greater influence on the blast response. Deflection
of reinforced concrete panels can also be reduced by increasing the panel thickness and the ratio of
reinforcement. Glass curtain walls with protective films have proven to be well suited for use in
glazing systems that resist blast loading. A non-linear dynamic finite element code (LS-DYNA) is used
to conduct the stress and deflection analysis. The analytical results on dynamic behaviors of protective
films can be used to mitigate hazards from broken glazing due to blast loading.
It can be seen from literature [13,14] that there are a number of strengthening techniques, globally
available for various collapse mechanisms. Keeping in mind the construction cost, it is uneconomical
to design all buildings for blast loading. A security/protection wall is an economical solution against
blast loading and is being used internationally at public places and lifeline structures such as hospitals,
schools, offices, residential/commercial buildings and military installations.

Research Significance
Rapidly increasing terrorist activities highlight the necessity/importance of structural protection
against blast loading to minimize its catastrophic effects. There is a dire need to analyze existing
arrangements of structural protection against blast loading to determine its efficacy and to identify
weaknesses in existing security wall panels. Based on identified structural weaknesses, it is needed to
suggest a feasible improvement/strengthening technique to minimize the impact of terrorist activities
and to save valuable human lives and property.
RCC wall panels are widely used as a protective barrier against blast loading due to its quick
preparation, convenient transportation, erection and good energy absorbance [16]. These panels
are also being used in Pakistan. Due to increased terrorist activities, RCC wall panels are placed in
front of important public and military installations. There is a considerably large number of military
installations and lifeline structures where RCC wall panels are used as a protective barrier against
blast explosions. However, there are certain weaknesses which need to be identified and require
improvements to enhance their efficacy against blast explosions.
Infrastructures 2019, 4, 54 3 of 16

In this2019,
Infrastructures study,
4, x the
FOR effect of blast
PEER REVIEW loading on existing RCC wall panels and the corresponding 3 of 16
structural wall is carried out. Weaknesses in existing RCC wall panels have been identified as the
technique is proposed
base not being fixed andto improve their efficacy
intermediate spacingagainst
between blast explosions.
panels. For this
Therefore, purpose,
a feasible the existing
strengthening
arrangement of RCC walls
technique is proposed placedtheir
to improve in front of anagainst
efficacy important
blast military installation,
explosions. NESCOM
For this purpose, theHospital,
existing
Faqir Api Road,
arrangement Islamabad,
of RCC Pakistan
walls placed inhas
frontbeen selected.
of an The measured
important distance between
military installation, NESCOM the RCC wall
Hospital,
panels
Faqir Api andRoad,
a structural
Islamabad, wall Pakistan
is 23 ft. The modeling
has been was carried
selected. out using
The measured ANSYS
distance AUTODYN
between the RCC 3D
hydrocode
wall panels software. Due towall
and a structural huge computational
is 23 ft. The modelingefforts,
wasinstead
carriedofoutmodeling
using ANSYS the whole
AUTODYNstructure,
3D
only three RCC wall panels and their corresponding structural wall were considered
hydrocode software. Due to huge computational efforts, instead of modeling the whole structure, only for analysis and
its improvement.
three RCC wall panels A totalandof their
two charge weights structural
corresponding have been wallsimulated on the basisfor
were considered that a motorcycle
analysis and its
can carry 50 kgATNT
improvement. totaland a motor
of two chargecarweights
can carry 100been
have kg TNT. Furthermore,
simulated two TNT
on the basis that acharge locations
motorcycle can
were
carry considered,
50 kg TNT and oneaatmotor
the face
car of
canthe RCC
carry wall
100 kg and
TNT.the other at a distance
Furthermore, two TNT ofcharge
10 ft. The distance
locations were of
10 ft is considered
considered, on face
one at the the basis
of thethat
RCCinwallthe and
majority of cases,
the other RCC wall
at a distance of panels
10 ft. The aredistance
placed along
of 10 ftthe
is
roadside.
considered Aon practical
the basiscasethathasinbeen considered
the majority whereRCC
of cases, thesewall
panels are placed
panels are placedin front
along of the
the roadside.
building
and
A along the
practical caseroadside.
has been Secondly,
consideredthese where panels
theseare placed
panels are in populous
placed areas
in front of thewhere the threat
building of a
and along
terrorist attack
the roadside. is high. these
Secondly, Two possible
panels are blast scenarios
placed have been
in populous areasselected,
where the i.e.,threat
the explosion
of a terroristcanattack
be at
the face Two
is high. of thepossible
RCC wall blastpanels and athave
scenarios a distance of 10 ft (middle
been selected, of road) from
i.e., the explosion RCC
can be wallface
at the panels as
of the
the
RCCroadwallwidth
panelsisand20.5atft. After theofanalysis
a distance of theofexisting
10 ft (middle arrangement,
road) from a strengthening
RCC wall panels as the road technique
width is
has
20.5 been proposed
ft. After by providing
the analysis external
of the existing steel stripsa which
arrangement, go around
strengthening the whole
technique threeproposed
has been panels and by
they have external
providing restricted thestrips
steel displacement of RCCthe
which go around wall panels.
whole threeThe effect
panels andofthey blast
have loading is also
restricted the
minimized.
displacement of RCC wall panels. The effect of blast loading is also minimized.

Methodology
2. Methodology

2.1. Description
2.1. Description of
of Blast
Blast Protection
Protection Wall
Wall Panels
Panels
RCC wall
RCC wall panels
panels minimize
minimizeblast
blastexplosion
explosioneffecteffect[17].
[17].RCC
RCC wall
wall panels
panels areare positioned
positioned in in front
front of
of the boundary wall side by side. This represents a continuous wall barrier in front of
the boundary wall side by side. This represents a continuous wall barrier in front of the structure asthe structure
as shown
shown in Figure
in Figure 1. The
1. The RCCRCCwallwall panel
panel is 10isft 10 ft 3tall,
tall, 3 ft wide,
ft wide, 8 inches
8 inches thick thick from
from the topthe top3 and
and ft–4
3 ft–4 inches thick from the bottom. The effect of soil structure interaction is ignored in this
inches thick from the bottom. The effect of soil structure interaction is ignored in this study as being study as
being out of scope. Reinforcement detail and existing arrangements are shown
out of scope. Reinforcement detail and existing arrangements are shown in Figures 2 and 3. in Figures 2 and 3.

Figure 1. Blast protection wall panels.

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Figure
Figure 2.
2. Reinforcement
Reinforcement detail
detail of
of reinforced
reinforced cement
cement concrete (RCC) wall
concrete (RCC) wall panels.
wall panels.
panels.

Figure
Figure 3.
3. Existing
Existing arrangements
arrangements of
of blast
blast protection
protection wall
wall panels.
panels.

2.2. Material
2.2. Material Properties
2.2. Material Properties
Properties
Materials (brick,
Materials (brick, concrete, mortar,
mortar, TNT and and air) were obtained from the ANSYS AUTODYN
Materials (brick, concrete,
concrete, mortar, TNT TNT and air)
air) were
were obtained
obtained from
from thethe ANSYS
ANSYS AUTODYN
AUTODYN
library.
library. Properties of brick, concrete, mortar, air and TNT are available in the ANSYS AUTODYN
library. Properties
Properties of of brick,
brick, concrete,
concrete, mortar,
mortar, air
air and
and TNT
TNT are
are available
available inin the
the ANSYS
ANSYS AUTODYN
AUTODYN
library, however,
library, the mechanical properties of RCC are not directly available in the library.
library. It isis very
library, however,
however, the the mechanical
mechanical properties
properties ofof RCC
RCC areare not
not directly
directly available
available in in the
the library. ItIt is very
very
difficult to
difficult model concrete and steelsteel
separately [18] and requires complete expertise. However, different
difficult to
to model
model concrete
concrete and
and steel separately
separately [18]
[18] and
and requires
requires complete
complete expertise.
expertise. However,
However,
researchers
different have worked on it and modified properties have been proposedproposed
to produce produce
the effect of
different researchers
researchers have
have worked
worked on on it
it and
and modified
modified properties
properties have
have been
been proposed to to produce the the
reinforcing
effect bars in concrete [18]. Luccioni [18] considered the actual collapse of a four-story building
effect of
of reinforcing
reinforcing bars
bars in
in concrete
concrete [18].
[18]. Luccioni
Luccioni [18]
[18] considered
considered thethe actual
actual collapse
collapse of
of aa four-story
four-story
due to a blast
building explosionexplosion
in Argentina. He modelledmodelled
and simulated the same scenario using ANSYS
building duedue to
to aa blast
blast explosion in in Argentina.
Argentina. He He modelled and and simulated
simulated thethe same
same scenario
scenario using
using
AUTODYN.
ANSYS Modified
AUTODYN. properties
Modified of RCC
properties were
of used
RCC in the
were model.
used in The
the results
model. of
The the actual
results collapse
of the and
actual
ANSYS AUTODYN. Modified properties of RCC were used in the model. The results of the actual
numericaland
collapse simulation compared and validated satisfactorily. The same modified properties of RCC are
collapse and numerical
numerical simulation
simulation compared
compared and and validated
validated satisfactorily.
satisfactorily. TheThe same
same modified
modified
used in current
properties models. Below Table 1 shows the different properties used in our model for materials.
properties of of RCC
RCC areare used
used in
in current
current models.
models. Below
Below Table
Table 11 shows
shows the
the different
different properties
properties used
used inin
our model for materials.
our model for materials.
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Table 1. Properties of material used in ANSYS AUTODYN.

Infrastructures 2019, 4, 54 Properties of air 5 of 16

State equation Ideal gas

γ Table 1. Properties of material used in ANSYS1.41
AUTODYN.
Reference density 1.225E-03 g/cm3
Reference temperature Properties of air 2.882E + 02 oK
Specific heatState
(C.V.)
equation 7.173
Ideal gas+ 02 J / kg K
γ 1.41
Reference density 1.225E-03 g/cm3
Properties of reinforced concrete
Reference temperature 2.882E + 02 o K
State equation
Specific heat (C.V.) Linear
7.173 + 02 J/kg K
Reference density 2.750 g/cm3
Properties of reinforced concrete
Bulk modulus 3.527E+07kPa
State equation Linear
Strength model Von Mises
Reference density 2.750 g/cm3
Shear modulus Bulk modulus 1.220E+07 kPa
3.527E+07kPa
Elastic limit Strength model 1.000E+04kPa
Von Mises
Shear modulus
Failure criteria 1.220E+07 kPastresses
Principal
Failure stressElastic limit 1.000E+04kPa
1.000+04kPa
Failure criteria Principal stresses
Failure stress 1.000+04kPa
Properties of masonry
Properties of masonry
State equation Linear
State equation Linear
Reference density 2.400E+00 g/cm3
Reference density 2.400E+00 g/cm3
Bulk modulus Bulk modulus 7.800E+06
7.800E+06 kPa kPa
Strength modelStrength model MohrMohr Coulomb
Coulomb
Shear modulus Shear modulus 2.6E+06 kPa kPa
2.6E+06
Failure
Failure criteria criteria Principal stresses
Principal stresses
Failure tension 1.000+03 kPa
Failure tension 1.000+03 kPa

2.3. Location
2.3. Location of
of Gauges
Gauges
Three gauges
Three gaugesare
areplaced at the
placed top, top,
at the middle and bottom
middle of RCCofwall
and bottom RCCpanels,
wallthe masonry
panels, the boundary
masonry
wall and the masonry structural wall. Displacements of RCC panels and the structural wall
boundary wall and the masonry structural wall. Displacements of RCC panels and the structural have been
wall
monitored.
have All nine gauges
been monitored. placed
All nine in the
gauges model
placed in are
the shown in Figure
model are shown4.in Figure 4.

Figure 4. Gauges
Figure 4. Gauges placed
placed at
at the
the top,
top, middle
middle and
and bottom.
bottom.
Infrastructures 2019, 4, 54 6 of 16

2.4. Techniques
Infrastructures Being
2019, Used
4, x FOR for REVIEW
PEER Strengthening/Retrofitting of Structures against Blast Loading 6 of 16

Extensive research has been carried out to strengthen the existing structures [19]. Due to the
2.4. Techniques Being Used for Strengthening/Retrofitting of Structures against Blast Loading
large dynamic loading, structural members fail, and casualties/injuries occur. Different improvement
techniques are being
Extensive usedhas
research to enhance the efficacy
been carried out to of structuresthe
strengthen against blaststructures
existing loading. The following
[19]. are
Due to the
some of the techniques
large dynamic used for the
loading, structural retrofitting
members fail, of
andthe existing structures,
casualties/injuries for improving
occur. its resistance
Different improvement
against blastare
techniques and also used
being improving the overall
to enhance integrity
the efficacy of the structure
of structures [20].
against blast loading. The following
are some of the techniques used for the retrofitting of the existing structures, for improving its
• Aramid
resistance fiber blast
against reinforced plastics
and also (AFRP)the
improving [5]overall integrity of the structure [20].
• Fiber reinforced polymers (FRP) [6]
• • performance
Ultra-high Aramid fiberfiber reinforced
reinforced concrete
plastics (AFRP) [7] [5]
• • reinforced
Glass fiber polymers
Fiber reinforced [8]
polymers (FRP) [6]
• Carbon•fiberUltra-high
reinforcedperformance
polymers [9]fiber reinforced concrete [7]
• • Glass
Polyurethane fiber reinforced
elastomers [10] polymers [8]
• • Carbon
Steel jacketing [11] fiber reinforced polymers [9]
• • Polyurethane
Strain hardening elastomers
cementations [10] [12]
composites
• • Steel
Steel plates [13] jacketing [11]
• Strain hardening cementations composites [12]
• Glass curtain walls [14]
• Steel plates[13]
• FRP composites [19]
• Glass curtain walls [14]
• Use of GFRP [21]
• FRP composites [19]
• Use of steel jackets and strips [22,23]
• Use of GFRP [21]
• Use of steel jackets and strips [22,23]
2.5. Weaknesses Observed in Existing Arrangements
2.5. Weaknesses
Following Observed
weaknessinhave
Existing
beenArrangements
observed as shown in Figure 5:

• Following
The base ofweakness havepanel
the RCC wall been observed as shown in Figure 5:
is not fixed
• • The base of the RCC wall panel
Intermediate space between RCC wall panels is not fixed
• RCC wall• panels
Intermediate space for
not designed between RCC wall panels
blast loading
• RCC wall panels not designed for blast loading

Figure
Figure 5.
5. Weaknesses observed in
Weaknesses observed in existing
existing arrangements.
arrangements.

2.6. The Technique Used for Improvement of the Existing Structure against Blast Loading
Strengthening of existing structures using the steel strips technique is being used to improve its
resistance against blast loading and to improve the overall integrity of the structure. This technique
Infrastructures 2019, 4, 54 7 of 16

2.6. The Technique Used for Improvement of the Existing Structure against Blast Loading
Infrastructures 2019, 4, x FOR PEER REVIEW 7 of 16
Strengthening of existing structures using the steel strips technique is being used to improve its
is more economical,
resistance easier
against blast to install
loading and and more effective
to improve in comparison
the overall integrity oftothe
allstructure.
other available retrofitting
This technique is
techniques for TNT charge of up to 100 kg. The details are shown in Figure 6. A probabilistic
more economical, easier to install and more effective in comparison to all other available retrofitting risk
assessment (PRA)
techniques for TNThas beenof carried
charge up to 100outkg.to The
predict risk
details areofshown
an explosive
in Figurecharge weight andrisk
6. A probabilistic its
placement. The blasts occurred in front of important installations which are summarized
assessment (PRA) has been carried out to predict risk of an explosive charge weight and its placement.below:
The blasts occurred in front of important installations which are summarized below:
Table 2. Important blasts in last decade
Table 2. Important blasts in last decade. TNT
Ser Location
(Kilograms)
Ser Location TNT (Kilograms)
1 U.S. Consulate Karachi 70
2 1 U.S. Consulate Karachi
U.S. Consulate Karachi 70 100
2 U.S. Consulate Karachi 100
3 Parachinar, Pakistan 50
3 Parachinar, Pakistan 50
4 4 Charbagh,Swat
Charbagh, Swat Valley,
Valley, KPKKPK 60 60
5 5 Police
PoliceCheckpoint
Checkpoint Peshawar
Peshawar 80 80
6 6 Orakzai Agency, FATA
Orakzai Agency, FATA 95 95
7 Khyber Bazaar, Peshawar 30
7 8 Khyber Bazaar,
Timergara, Lower Dir Peshawar 75 30
8 9 Lakki Timergara, LowerKPK
Marwat District, Dir 79 75
9 10 Khyber Agency, FATA
Lakki Marwat District, KPK 56 79
11 Ghalanai, Mohmand Agency, FATA 50
10 Khyber Agency, FATA 56
11 Ghalanai, Mohmand Agency, FATA 50
After thorough study and analysis of the terrorist activities related data of the last decade [24]
shown in Table
After 2, twostudy
thorough chargeand weights have
analysis ofbeen selected, activities
the terrorist that of 50 related
kg and 100
datakg.
of The contact
the last between
decade [24]
concreteinand
shown steel
table 2, strips is fixed weights
two charge using anchors. The effect
have been of soil
selected, structure
that interaction
of 50 kg and 100 iskg.
ignored in this
The contact
study, being
between out ofand
concrete scope [25].strips
steel Detailed procedure
is fixed for the installation
using anchors. The effectofofanchors is shown
soil structure in Figure is
interaction 7.
ignored in this study, being out of scope [25]. Detailed procedure for the installation of anchors is
•
shownDrill hole with
in Figure 7. drill bit
• Install anchor
• Drill hole with drill bit
• Hammer• in anchor
Install anchor
• Hammer in anchor

Figure
Figure 6.
6. Steel
Steel strips
strips modelled
modelled as
as aa strengthening
strengthening technique
technique for
for structural
structural improvement.
improvement.
Infrastructures 2019, 4, 54 8 of 16
Infrastructures 2019, 4, x FOR PEER REVIEW 8 of 16

Figure 7.
Figure 7. Procedure
Procedure for
for installation
installation of
of anchors.
anchors.

3.
3. Results
Results and
and Discussions
Discussions
A
Atotal
totalofof
two charge
two weights
charge have have
weights been simulated, that of 50
been simulated, kg TNT
that of 50and
kg100
TNTkg TNT. Furthermore,
and 100 kg TNT.
two TNT charge locations were considered, one at the face of RCC wall panels
Furthermore, two TNT charge locations were considered, one at the face of RCC wall panelsand the other at a distance
and the
of 10 ft.atAnalysis
other a distanceof the existing
of 10 arrangement
ft. Analysis has beenarrangement
of the existing carried out using ANSYS
has been AUTODYN
carried [26].
out using After
ANSYS
providing external steel strips as strengthening, analysis was performed again for
AUTODYN [26]. After providing external steel strips as strengthening, analysis was performed againthe same charge
weight
for the and
samelocations. The comparison
charge weight of theThe
and locations. blast scenario results,
comparison of thebefore and afterresults,
blast scenario the improvement
before and
technique against blast loading,
after the improvement technique is against
shown in succeeding
blast loading, paragraphs.
is shown in succeeding paragraphs.

3.1.
3.1. Displacement
Displacement Time
Time Relationship
Relationship
3.1.1. Case I: Explosion at Face of RCC Wall Panels
3.1.1. Case I: Explosion at Face of RCC Wall Panels
Figure 8 shows the comparison of the displacement–time relationship before and after the
Figure 8 shows the comparison of the displacement–time relationship before and after the
improvement of RCC wall panels. It is evident from the analysis that as the TNT charge weight
improvement of RCC wall panels. It is evident from the analysis that as the TNT charge weight
increases, displacements also increase. Before improvement of an existing structure, the maximum
increases, displacements also increase. Before improvement of an existing structure, the maximum
displacement of the RCC wall panel was found at gauge #7 (base of the wall) whereas maximum
displacement of the RCC wall panel was found at gauge #7 (base of the wall) whereas maximum
displacement of the structural wall was found at gauge #6 (top of the wall). The non-fixity of the base
displacement of the structural wall was found at gauge #6 (top of the wall). The non-fixity of the base
and the intermediate spacing between panels provides easy access to pass the blast wave and damage
and the intermediate spacing between panels provides easy access to pass the blast wave and damage
the target. To minimize the effect of the blast, the steel strips were used as a strengthening technique
the target. To minimize the effect of the blast, the steel strips were used as a strengthening technique
which restricts z-direction movement. It also acts as a protection barrier and does not allow the blast
which restricts z-direction movement. It also acts as a protection barrier and does not allow the blast
wave to pass. It can be seen from the results that the use of steel strips as a strengthening technique
wave to pass. It can be seen from the results that the use of steel strips as a strengthening technique
significantly reduces displacements. It is pertinent to mention that displacement mainly reduces due
significantly reduces displacements. It is pertinent to mention that displacement mainly reduces due
to the use of steel strips as it has restricted vertical and horizontal movement of RCC wall panels.
to the use of steel strips as it has restricted vertical and horizontal movement of RCC wall panels.
Displacements have been significantly reduced after the use of steel strips as shown below:
Displacements have been significantly reduced after the use of steel strips as shown below:
• For 50 kg TNT explosion, displacement of RCC wall panel reduces from 78 mm to 0.42 mm
• For 100 •kg TNT
For 50 kg TNT displacement
explosion, explosion, displacement
of RCC wallofpanel
RCCreduces
wall panel
fromreduces
175 mmfrom 78 mm
to 0.62 mm to
• 0.42 mm
For 50 kg TNT explosion, displacement of structural wall reduces from 20 mm to 0.11 mm
• For 100 kg TNT explosion, displacement of RCC wall panel reduces from 175 mm to
• For 100 kg TNT explosion, displacement of structural wall reduces from 41 mm to 0.14 mm
0.62 mm
• For 50 kg TNT explosion, displacement of structural wall reduces from 20 mm to 0.11
mm
• For 100 kg TNT explosion, displacement of structural wall reduces from 41 mm to
0.14 mm
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Figure 8. Cont.
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Infrastructures 2019, 4, 54 10 of 16
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Figure 8. Comparison of TNT explosions at the face of RCC wall panels.

3.1.2. Case II: Explosion at Distance of 10 ft from RCC Wall Panels

Figure 9 shows a comparison of displacement–time relationship when an explosion occurs at a
Figure
Figure8. Comparison of TNT explosions at the
the face
faceof
ofRCC
RCCwall
wallpanels.
panels.
distance of 10 ft from the8. face
Comparison
of RCC of TNTpanels.
wall explosions at
It has been found that displacement decreases as
the standoff increases. Use of steel strips as a strengthening
3.1.2. Case II: Explosion at Distance of 10 ft from RCC Wall Panels technique significantly reduces
3.1.2. Case II: Explosion at Distance of 10 ft from RCC Wall Panels
displacements.
Figure 9 shows a comparison of displacement–time relationship when an explosion occurs at a
Figure 9 shows a comparison of displacement–time relationship when an explosion occurs at a
distance of 10•ft from thekg
face of RCC wall panels. It has been found that displacement decreases as to
the
distance of 10 ft For
from50the TNT
face ofexplosion,
RCC walldisplacement
panels. It hasof RCC
been wall
found panels
that reduces from
displacement 48 mm
decreases as
standoff increases.0.18
Usemmof steel strips as a strengthening technique significantly reduces displacements.
the standoff increases. Use of steel strips as a strengthening technique significantly reduces
• For 100 kg TNT explosion, displacement of RCC wall panels reduces from 76 mm to
• displacements.
For 50 kg TNT explosion, displacement of RCC wall panels reduces from 48 mm to 0.18 mm
0.42 mm
• For 100 kg TNT explosion, displacement of RCC wall panels reduces from 76 mm to 0.42 mm
• For 50 kg kg TNTTNTexplosion,
explosion,displacement
displacementofofstructural
RCC wallwall reduces
panels fromfrom
reduces 15 mm to 0.07
48 mm to
• For 50 kg TNT mm explosion,
0.18 mm displacement of structural wall reduces from 15 mm to 0.07 mm
• For 100 kg
• TNTFor explosion,
100 kg
100 kg TNT
TNT displacement of structuralofof
explosion,displacement
explosion, displacement wall reduces
structural
RCC fromreduces
wall
wall panels 17 mm from
reduces to 0.12
from 76mm
17 mm to
0.12 mm
0.42
• For 50 kg TNT explosion, displacement of structural wall reduces from 15 mm to 0.07
mm
• For 100 kg TNT explosion, displacement of structural wall reduces from 17 mm to
0.12 mm

Figure 9. Cont.
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Infrastructures 2019, 4, x FOR PEER REVIEW 11 of 16

Figure9.9.Comparison
Figure Comparison of
of TNT
TNT explosions
explosions at
at aa distance
distanceof
of10
10ftftfrom
fromRCC
RCCwall
wallpanels.
panels.
Infrastructures 2019, 4, 54 12 of 16
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RCCRCC wall
wall panels
panels areare
notnot anchored/fixed
anchored/fixed to the
to the ground
ground and and
havehave a horizontal
a horizontal spacespace between
between panels
of panels
1 inch of
to 15 inch to 5 Due
inches. inches. Due to non-fixity,
to non-fixity, displacements
displacements up to up
175tomm
175 have
mm have
beenbeen noted.
noted. UseUse of
of steel
steel strips as a strengthening technique significantly reduced displacements up to 99%
strips as a strengthening technique significantly reduced displacements up to 99% for TNT charge of for TNT
upcharge
to 100 of
kg.up to 100 kg.

3.2.3.2. Pressure
Pressure Time
Time History
History

3.2.1.
3.2.1. Case
Case I: I: ExplosionatatFace
Explosion FaceofofRCC
RCCWall
WallPanels
Panels
Figure
Figure 1010 shows
shows a comparisonofofthe
a comparison thepressure
pressuretime
timehistory
historywhen
whenan anexplosion
explosion occurs
occurs at
at the
the face
face of
of RCC wall panels. It is evident that the distribution of pressure is not uniform and varies
RCC wall panels. It is evident that the distribution of pressure is not uniform and varies with each with each
millisecond.Blast
millisecond. Blastresistant
resistantstructures
structures cannot
cannot bebe designed
designed forforan
anequivalent
equivalentstatic
staticpressure
pressure ororlateral
lateral
loads. However, the area under the pressure time curve can be taken into account
loads. However, the area under the pressure time curve can be taken into account for the design for the design of of
these structures. It has been observed that the pressure was maximum at gauge #7, at the base of RCC
these structures. It has been observed that the pressure was maximum at gauge #7, at the base of
wall panels and minimum at gauge #4, at the base of the structural wall. Use of steel strips as a
RCC wall panels and minimum at gauge #4, at the base of the structural wall. Use of steel strips
strengthening technique has worked effectively and pressure values recorded after structural
as a strengthening technique has worked effectively and pressure values recorded after structural
improvement are considerably reduced as compared to existing arrangements (without
improvement are considerably reduced as compared to existing arrangements (without improvement
improvement technique) of RCC wall panels. However, negative pressure was amplified due to the
technique) of RCC wall panels. However, negative pressure was amplified due to the interaction of
interaction of the blast wave with the solid surface of RCC wall panels. After improvement, pressure
thevalues
blast wave
were with the solidreduced
significantly surfaceatofthe
RCC wall panels.
structural wall After
due toimprovement,
the restrictionpressure values
of the blast wavewere
significantly reduced
propagation. at the structural wall due to the restriction of the blast wave propagation.

Figure 10. Cont.

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Figure
Figure 10.Comparison
10. Comparisonof
ofTNT
TNT explosions
explosions at
at the
the face
faceof
ofRCC
RCCwall
wallpanels.
panels.

3.2.2. Case
3.2.2.
3.2.2. II:II:
Case
Case II: Explosion atatDistance
Explosionat
Explosion Distance of
Distanceof 10
of10 ftftfrom
10ft from
from RCC
RCC Wall
RCC Panels
Wall Panels
Panels
Figure
Figure
Figure 1111shows
11 showsaa acomparison
shows comparisonof
comparison of pressure–time
of pressure–time relationship
pressure–time relationship when
relationship whenan
when anexplosion
an explosionoccurs
explosion at at
occurs
occurs a a
at a
distance
distance of of
10 10
ft ft from
from thethe face
face ofof RCC
RCC wall
wall
distance of 10 ft from the face of RCC wall panels. panels.
panels.

Figure 11. Cont.

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Figure
Figure 11.
11. Comparison
Comparison of
of TNT
TNT explosions
explosions at
at aa distance
distance of
of 10
10 ft
ft from
from RCC wall panels.
RCC wall panels.

Results obtained from FEM show that with the increase in TNT charge quantity, displacements
also increase.
increase.Displacement
Displacement andand standoff
standoff distance
distance have
have an an inverse
inverse relation,relation, i.e., displacement
i.e., displacement decreases
decreases
with with the
the increase increase distance,
in standoff in standoff distance,
having having
the same TNT the same
charge TNT charge
quantity. Before quantity.
improvementBefore
of
improvement of the existing
the existing structure, maximumstructure, maximum
displacement displacement
of RCC wall panels of was
RCCfound
wall panels
at gauge was#7found at
(base of
gaugewhereas
wall) #7 (basemaximum
of wall) whereas maximum
displacement of the displacement
structural wallofwas
thefound
structural wall#6was
at gauge (topfound at gauge
of wall). It has
#6 (top of wall). It has also been noticed that the non-fixity of base and intermediate spacing between
panels provides easy access to pass the blast wave and damage the structural wall. Results also show
Infrastructures 2019, 4, 54 15 of 16

also been noticed that the non-fixity of base and intermediate spacing between panels provides easy
access to pass the blast wave and damage the structural wall. Results also show that steel strips used
as a strengthening technique restricts z-direction movement and acts as a protection barrier, by not
allowing the blast wave to pass.

4. Conclusions
A numerical study of RCC wall panels placed in front of the building has been conducted to
analyze the effect of blast loading. An existing arrangement of an important military installation,
NESCOM Hospital, Faqir Api Road, Islamabad, Pakistan has been selected where RCC wall panels
were used as a protection barrier against blast loading. ANSYS AUTODYN software has been used
to simulate the model. Analysis has been carried out and pressure was observed to be maximum at
the base of RCC wall panels and minimum at the base of the structural wall. With the increase in
standoff distance, pressure values decreased, and the distribution of pressure was also not uniform.
Weaknesses of existing arrangements have also been identified. Existing RCC wall panels were not
designed for blast loading. These are also not anchored/fixed to the ground and have a horizontal
space between panels of 1 inch to 5 inches.
A significant number of RCC panels are placed in front of many installations. Therefore, in order
to make them more effective, remedial measures should be taken to sort out the existing flaws by using
steels strips as a strengthening technique. From the results, it is concluded that in addition to existing
strengthening techniques, steel strips are one of the most feasible and locally suitable techniques for
strengthening existing structures as it significantly enhances the blast performance of structures. It has
significantly reduced z-direction displacements and pressures. Steel strips have been found effective up
to 100 kg TNT explosion and displacements against explosion almost diminished. Hence the effect of
the blast explosion would be transferred to the building. RCC wall panels, placed in front of buildings,
can be strengthened by using steel strips against blast explosion up to 100 kg. Peak pressures of TNT
charge up to 100 kg obtained from simulations may be taken as a guideline for designers.
Despite all the bright and encouraging perspectives of this research work, there are certain
limitations. Firstly, blast scenarios could be infinite. Secondly, this strengthening technique effectively
works up to 100 kg TNT charge. The effect of blast on structures also depends on blast material used,
type of the explosive and on its placement. Thirdly, the software used here in this study requires
special training and expertise to run.
There are also some important recommendations which need to be catered to in future. Primarily,
results obtained by this research work are required to be checked by performing experimental testing.
Secondly, existing RCC wall panels need to be strengthened by using steel strips, as it provides
maximum protection against blast loading. Peak pressures obtained from the simulation of different
blast scenarios may be taken as a guideline for the design of RCC wall panels.

Author Contributions: Conceptualization, M.U. and S.H.F.; methodology, R.K. and S.H.F.; software, R.K.;
validation, S.H.F. and M.U.; formal analysis, R.K.; investigation, R.K. and M.U.; resources, M.U.; data curation,
R.K.; Writing—Original Draft preparation, R.K.; Writing—Review and Editing, S.H.F. and M.U.; visualization,
S.H.F.; supervision, M.U.; project administration, M.U.
Funding: This research received no external funding.
Acknowledgments: Authors acknowledge the administrative support provided by National University of Sciences
and Technology, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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