Analytical Assessment of the Resistance of Precast Structures to Blast Effects

Executive Summary
Terrorist attacks have been carried out on our infrastructure at home and abroad at an alarming rate in the past decade. This growing threat has emphasized the need for protection of our civil infrastructure from the effects of explosive loading. Unfortunately both the basic knowledge and expertise on blast resistant design in the US is limited. While research has been conducted on reinforced concrete (RC) and structural steel, work has been limited in the area of prestressed/precast concrete. Precast/prestressed concrete offers many advantages in providing blast resistance. The prestressing properties allow for additional strength and in some cases the potential for a self centering ability after a blast event. In addition, advanced blast resistant materials can be readily incorporated into precast elements at the plant. Quantifying these benefits could provide significant support to creating a total precast solution for building construction. To address this need a research project on blast assessment of precast/prestressed structures is proposed. The research will analytically examine conventional precast building elements for blast resistance. In addition the potential blast vulnerability of precast connections will be examined. The fellowship will support the work of one Masters Student for one year. The work will be conducted in collaboration with High Concrete Structures of Denver, Pa.

Research Team
Assistant Professor Clay Naito, Principal Investigator

Sponsors
Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute
High Concrete Structures, Inc.

Publications
Cramsey, N., Naito, C., "Analytical Assessment of the Blast Resistance of Precast, Prestressed Concrete Components," Journal of the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute, Vol. 52, No. 6, Nov-Dec, 2007.