Experimental Research and Development on Blast Resistant Structures

Structures are usually designed to withstand a broad set of loads (e.g., gravity, wind, temperature changes and earthquakes). However, over the last few decades, wars, terrorist attacks and accidental explosions, have raised up the need to consider blast loads in the construction of relevant public or private infrastructures. The successful design of blast resistant structures requires a deep understanding of the effects of explosions on structures, which can only be achieved by extensive experimental campaigns and comprehensive numerical simulations. This chapter presents an experimental research programme that has been established to assist the development of blast resistant solutions for structures that may be subjected to accidental or intentional explosions on industrial and/or critical/governmental infrastructure and buildings and military/peacekeeping operations infrastructures. The research includes explosive field tests on RC façade panels, strengthened to resist the blast actions or provided with energy dissipation connectors to the main building structure and sacrificial cladding connectors for ventilated façades. These solutions, aim to reduce the blast effects on buildings subjected to accidental or intentional explosions, minimizing injuries and life losses of their occupants.