Experimental and numerical investigations of a single-layer reticulated dome subjected to external blast loading

Long-span spatial structures are commonly used as landmarks in modern cities and may be potential targets of terrorist attacks; thus, it is important to study the dynamic behaviour of such structures under blast actions. In this study, experiments were conducted on two reduced-scale models which were designed and manufactured. The aims of the experiments were to (i) assess the accuracy of a numerical approach for simulating the structural dynamic responses based on the finite element software, “ANSYS/LS-DYNA”, and (ii) survey the various failure modes of single-layer reticulated domes under an external blast loading. The numerical results showed a good agreement with the experiments when the empirical load model was used to study the elastic and inelastic deformation of a multi-curved shell. Additionally, the deformation, development of plasticity, and energy absorbing behaviour of each component were examined, and the following four major response patterns were identified: elastic vibration, slight damage, local failure, and global collapse.