Blast response of reinforced concrete pile using fully coupled computer simulation techniques

•Response of reinforced concrete pile to a buried explosion is treated.•Fully coupled computer simulation techniques are used in the analysis.•Material models for air, soil, explosive, concrete and steel are incorporated.•Pile reinforcements have a significant effect on pile response to blast load.•Findings of this paper will serve as a reference for future analysis and design.

Pile foundations transfer loads from superstructures to stronger sub soil. Their strength and stability can hence affect structural safety. This paper treats the response of reinforced concrete pile in saturated sand to a buried explosion. Fully coupled computer simulation techniques are used together with five different material models. Influence of reinforcement on pile response is investigated and important safety parameters of horizontal deformations and tensile stresses in the pile are evaluated. Results indicate that adequate longitudinal reinforcement and proper detailing of transverse reinforcement can reduce pile damage. Present findings can serve as a benchmark reference for future analysis and design.