Damage state identification for reinforced concrete columns in uplift due to internal building detonations

This paper details the development of a generalised damage identification procedure for reinforced concrete columns subjected to internal building detonations. With the successful application of advanced computational fluid dynamics and structural response modelling techniques, we have conducted a set of comprehensive parametric studies on reinforced concrete column failure when subjected to high-rate, coupled uplift and shear typically induced by internal explosive blast. The outputs of the parametric studies have been analysed using a multi-variable, non-linear curve fitting technique to develop the generalised damage identification procedure for columns, separately for two main internal blast conditions. The paper also presents a number of worked examples illustrating its application and significance in practice.