Air Blast Loading and Target Response

The behaviour of an object or structure exposed to the blast wave from a nuclear explosion may be considered under two main headings. 

Loading, the forces which result from the action of that pressure. 

Reference should be made to Fig. IX. 163 for other details Additional loadings 

As a general rule, response may be taken to be synonymous with damage, since permanent distortion of a sufficient amount will impair the usefulness of a structure. 

Direct damage to structures attributable to air blast can take various forms the blast may deflect structural steel frames, collapse roofs, dish-in walls, shatter panels and break windows. 

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