Methodology and validation for blast and shock testing of structures using high-speed hydraulic actuators

• Developed experimental method for blast and shock loading of structures using hydraulic actuators.
• Described methodology for calculating simulated blast loads.
• Validated use of technology through comparison with field experiments.
• Demonstrated novel uses of experimental system including confined explosive scenarios and shock characterization.

The extreme loads generated by blast events, both man-made and accidental, can cause devastating consequences for structures and their components. Typically, the development of analysis methodologies, design procedures and hardening strategies is driven by conclusions that have been obtained experimentally via field testing with live explosives. These types of experiments, although generally effective, are often expensive and due to the extreme environment, do not provide clear visual evidence and quantitative data of structural response throughout the explosive event.In 2006, a blast simulation facility was designed and constructed in order to provide blast-like loadings on structures and components in a controlled laboratory setting. The Blast Simulator, located at the University of California, San Diego, was the first facility to utilize ultra-fast, hydraulically drive, computer-controlled actuators to generate impulsive loadings on full-scale structures. Because the experiments do not involve explosives and the subsequent fireball, high speed cameras and other instrumentation can be effectively used to produce quantitative, as well as high resolution visual data in a repeatable environment.Since 2006, over 500 experiments have been conducted using the Blast Simulator for both validation studies and exploratory research. This paper serves to summarize the current methodology for imparting blast and shock-like loads, as well as to validate the Blast Simulator’s effectiveness in producing accurate, controllable and repeatable loading on a range of civil and military structures.