Blast-hardened structures

Reinforced concrete is the most commonly used construction material for structures designed to resist explosive blast loads. It is used extensively in blast hardened structures because of its strength, ductility (when properly designed), mass, penetration resistance, relative economy, and universal availability. Its strength, mass, and ductility provide high resistance to the extreme blast pressure (psi) and impulse (psi-ms) loads. It is important to remember that (unlike in static load design) in the... 

TANCRETO Reinforced Concrete in Blast-Hardened Structures... 

The advantages of using reinforced concrete for the design of blast-hardened structures and the important recent changes to the design criteria of flexural elements have been summarized. Detailed design of hardened structures should be in accordance with the criteria in the tri-service design manual, TM 5-1300/NAVFAC P-397/AFM 88-22, "Structures to Resist the Effects of Accidental Explosions". 

Retrofitting existing structure is discussed in Structural Design for Physical Security Slate of the Practice Report (ASCE Physical Security). Although the blast load is specifically related to external or internal bomb threats, the analysis technique and design approaches for hardening structures are similar in many ways. 

Supersulphated cement is obtained from blast-furnace slag (80-85%), calcium sulphate (10-15%) and lime or Portland cement klinker (approximately 5%). After hardening, the strength comparable to that of ordinary Portland cement may be obtained with a considerably lower heat of hydration. Supersulphated cement may be used in various special concrete structures, particularly in situations where the action of acid fluids, sea water and oils should be expected e.g. for foundations and harbour structures. Mixing supersulphated cement with Portland cements and special treatment, such as accelerated hardening, is not possible. 

Blast effect destruction of or damage to personnel, vehicles or structures from an explosive force by a weapon designed to explode on contact with or above the ground Blast mitigation various physical measures that can be used to lessen the damage of a blast wave on critical assets these measures include, but are not limited to, blast walls, blast barriers, standoff distance, and structural hardening... 

Richardson, I. G. 2004. Tobermorite/jennite- and tobermorite/calcium hydroxide-based models for the structure of C-S-H applicability to hardened pastes of tricalcium silicate, p-dicalcium silicate, Portland cement, and blends of Portland cement with blast-furnace slag, metakaolin, or silica fume . Cement and Concrete Research 34 (9) 1733-1777. 

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