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Explosion Effects in the Built Environment

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A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Civil Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 April 2023) | Viewed by 18249

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Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Genevieve Langdon

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Guest Editor

Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
Interests: explosion and impact resistance of lightweight materials (composites, novel materials, meshes, lattices); blast effects in complex geometries; material, structural and human response due to explosions; dynamic properties and failure of composites, hybrid and lightweight materials; passive explosion mitigation

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Over the last two decades, highly publicised disasters caused by explosions have become an all too frequent occurrence. The threat to the built environment and human life from explosions is an unfortunate aspect of modern life, whether these events arise from military activities, terrorist attacks or industrial accidents. The effects of explosions resonate far beyond the immediate incident and its catastrophic damage. Explosions cause massive economic hardship, environmental damage and put pressure on health systems, communications, transportation and other systems on which modern societies rely. They can disrupt the ability of national governments to care for its people and may result in considerable political upheaval, and even cause regime changes.

Research and development into the effects of explosions and their mitigation requires a multi-disciplinary approach that encompasses experts in blast, detonation physics/chemistry, engineering, structural design, architecture, policy making, clinical research, medicine, systems, environmental science and many more.

This Special Issue aims to focus on the effects of explosions, covering the event chain from detonation to downstream harm in the built environment. How is the explosion output influenced by the built environment in which it occurs? What are the effects on people, equipment, buildings and infrastructure in the vicinity of the explosion? How can we predict these effects and mitigate them? What are the consequences for the systems that underpin society such as communications, emergency response, health and the environment?

Contributions can include but are not limited to the following topics:

Experimental studies (explosion characterisation and propagation, human injury, clinical tests, materials development, structural response, etc.);
Modelling studies (CFD, FEA, analytical, empirical, systems approaches, etc.);
Case/field studies of recent explosions and their effects (such as the Sri Lanka Easter bombings, Beirut 2020, Ukraine);
Implementation and development of high-performance computational tools for predicting explosion effects;
Novel experimental techniques applied to explosion test design or real event data collection;
Mitigation strategies or products for blast protection at the individual, component, building or city-scale.

Special challenges in explosion effects research (such as combined blast and fragmentation damage studies, improvised explosive devices, etc).

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Genevieve Langdon
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

blast
explosions
blast injury
structural response
blast protection
urban blast effects
explosion modelling
systems approaches
blast resilience

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Editorial

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2 pages, 178 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Special Issue on Explosion Effects in the Built Environment

by Genevieve S. Langdon

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(15), 8706; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13158706 - 28 Jul 2023

Viewed by 687

Abstract

Over the last two decades, highly publicized disasters caused by explosions have become an all too frequent occurrence [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Explosion Effects in the Built Environment)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

21 pages, 6207 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Quantification of Fire Damage Inside Pyrotechnic Stores

by David León, Blanca Castells, Isabel Amez, Juan Casín and Javier García-Torrent

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(10), 6181; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13106181 - 18 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 828

Abstract

A fire inside a pyrotechnic store can lead to simultaneous initiation of the stored articles, regardless of their risk category, producing a shockwave caused by the released gas pressure. In fact, several accidents have occurred throughout history in pyrotechnic stores. This indicates the high risk posed by pyrotechnics due to their flammability. Due to the lack of global or European legislation on guidelines for the design of pyrotechnic stores and associated risk assessment, the present research aims to analyze the consequences of a fire inside pyrotechnic stores and to establish globally possible effective prevention and protection measures in order to reduce explosion risk and avoid future accidents. The observed consequences and the reflected pressure (pressure measured when the wave is incident perpendicularly on the transducer) measured during fire tests inside a pyrotechnic store indicated the need to minimize the potential occurrence of fires. The limitation of the maximum permissible load, considering the volume of the store (kg/m³), reduces consequence severity in the event of an accident. However, the maximum permissible levels should be so low as to make their use for retail sales of pyrotechnic products unviable. The solution is the use of automatic fire detection and extinguishing systems with a high cooling capacity in order to prevent the spread to nearby packaging by rapid detection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Explosion Effects in the Built Environment)

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27 pages, 14314 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Scaling Building Configuration Blast Experiments on Positive Phase Blast Wave Parameters

by Sherlyn Gabriel, Jack Denny, Steeve Chung Kim Yuen, Genevieve S. Langdon and Reuben A. Govender

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(10), 5956; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13105956 - 12 May 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1905

Abstract

Explosions in an urban setting can have a significant negative impact. There is a need to further understand the loading effects caused by the blast’s interaction with structures. In conjunction with this, the effects of scaling and understanding the limitations of laboratory experiments are equally important given the cost incurred for full-scale experiments. The aim of this study was to determine the scaling effects on blast wave parameters found for reduced-scale urban blast scenario laboratory experiments. This paper presents the results of numerical modelling and physical experiments on detonating cuboidal PE-4 charges and measuring the pressure in direct line of sight and at three distinct positions around the corner of a small-scale “building” parallel to the rear wall. Two scales were used, namely 75% and 100%. Inter-scaling between 75% and 100% worked fairly well for positions shielded by the corner of the wall. Additionally, the lab-scale results were compared to similar (but not identical) field trials at an equivalent scale of 250%. The comparison between lab-scale idealised testing and the larger-scale field trials published by Gajewksi and Sielicki in 2020, indicated sensitivity to factors such as detonator positioning, explosive material, charge confinement/mounting, building surface roughness, and environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Explosion Effects in the Built Environment)

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13 pages, 21859 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Soil Mineralogy and Particle Breakage on the Impulse Generated from Shallow Buried Charges

by Tommy Lodge, Sam Clarke, Ross Waddoups, Sam Rigby, Matt Gant and Ian Elgy

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(9), 5628; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13095628 - 3 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1110

Abstract

Historically, most testing with shallow buried charges has focussed on soils which are predominantly quartz (silica)-based. Particle size, moisture content and density have previously been investigated to ascertain their importance, along with other geotechnical parameters, in governing the magnitude of an impulsive output. This has shown that, in order of importance, moisture content, density and particle size drive the total impulse imparted. The work in this paper presents the results of blast testing carried out with carbonate sands to investigate the difference that particle mineralogy (and hence, propensity for breakage) has on both the localised loading and the total impulse using an array of 17 Hopkinson pressure bars known as the Characterisation of Blast Loading (CoBL) apparatus. Carbonate sands are thought to have more friable particles due to their plate-like morphology, as opposed to the rounded morphology of quartz-based sands. Testing was conducted with low moisture content samples and compared with the well-established Leighton Buzzard uniform sand to isolate the effect of particle mineralogy/morphology on the loadings measured. The results show that, despite attaining a 23% lower bulk density, carbonate soils deliver almost identical total impulses (0.7–3.0% higher) when compared with quartz soils for nominally identical moisture contents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Explosion Effects in the Built Environment)

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20 pages, 6370 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dynamic Behavior of Aluminum Plates Subjected to Sequential Fragment Impact and Blast Loading: An Experimental Study

by Oussama Atoui, Azer Maazoun, Aldjabar Aminou, Bachir Belkassem, Lincy Pyl and David Lecompte

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(6), 3542; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13063542 - 10 Mar 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1388

Abstract

This paper presents a study on the dynamic behavior of thin aluminum plates subjected to consecutive fragment impact and blast loading. To this end, two separate experimental setups are used. In the first setup, 2 mm thick aluminum plates

E N

- [...] Read more.

E N

A W

1050 A

H 24

were subjected to the ballistic impact of fragment-simulating projectiles (FSPs). Experiments were carried out for FSP calibers of 7.62 mm and 12.7 mm considering both single impact and triple impacts with variations in the spacing of the impact locations. The out-of-plane displacement and in-plane strain fields were measured using digital image correlation (DIC) coupled to a pair of high-speed cameras in a stereoscopic setup. In the second setup, a subsequent blast loading was applied to the perforated plates using an explosive-driven shock tube (EDST). After the plates are perforated, the strain field around the holes depended on the caliber, the impact orientation of the FSP, and the distance between the impact locations. When the blast loading was applied, cracks tended to appear in areas of strain concentration between the perforated holes. It was found that the relative distance between the holes significantly influences the target’s response mode. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Explosion Effects in the Built Environment)

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14 pages, 7775 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Damage and Failure of a Column-Supported RC Flat Slab Subjected to Impulsive Loading

by David Z. Yankelevsky, Yuri S. Karinski and Vladimir R. Feldgun

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(3), 1933; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13031933 - 2 Feb 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1866

Abstract

RC flat slabs supported by an array of columns subjected to the action of impulsive pressure were investigated. The slabs were designed for static loads according to current standards. The dynamic responses of 4 × 4- and 8 × 8-column-supported slabs were similar, as were damage and failure. A simplified model consisting of a tributary area and a central column yielded similar results, demonstrating the accuracy of the simplified model and its reliability. These analyses exhibited modes of damage and failure characterized by large shear distortions in the slab–column connection zone. The rest of the span remained undamaged and in a horizontal position. In all analyses, the slab concrete around the column was fully damaged. The rebars failed within a limited zone at the slab–column connections. The early failure of integrity reinforcement indicated that it could not fulfill its duty; thus, a subsequent progressive collapse scenario was inevitable. All bent-up rebars failed, and their contribution to shear resistance was doubtful. The static analysis was entirely different from the dynamic failure mode. Impulsive loading damage and failure were similar to those in the case of slab-on-slab impact; in both cases, the slab underwent large displacement and severe damage in the narrow slab–column zone, whereas the rest of the slab remained almost completely flat and undamaged. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Explosion Effects in the Built Environment)

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18 pages, 9833 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Damage and Impulse Transfer Characteristics of Flexible Steel V-Structures with Large Bend Radii

by Vinay R. Shekhar, Christopher J. von Klemperer and Genevieve S. Langdon

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(3), 1293; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13031293 - 18 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 955

Abstract

This paper reports results from an experimental and computational study on the influence of bend radius and internal angle on the damage and impulse transfer characteristics of flexible steel V-structures subjected to localized explosion loading. This issue has bearing on the manufacturing of V-hulls used for Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles used around the world. Global impulse transfer, damage and transient deformation were measured during small-scale explosive detonations on 1:8-scale V-structures. The work found that increasing the bend radius to values that can be used in practical manufacturing generated damage that was less localized than the damage observed in V-structures with tighter bend radii. High-speed imaging was able to measure transient deformation that was maximal in the centre, and lower elastic post-peak vibration magnitudes at high charge masses. The impulse transfer increased as the bend radius increased and the internal V-angle increased. Since V-structures with tighter bend radii exhibit less permanent deformation and higher deformation gradients, they will be more prone to localized ruptures when deployed for blast protection, whereas structures with larger tip radii will need a larger region of the V-structure repaired after a blast event but may be less prone to rupturing when the blast loading is localized. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Explosion Effects in the Built Environment)

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26 pages, 55499 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Behavior and Damage Characterization of Impulsively Loaded Cross-Laminated Timber Panels

by Noel R. Flores, Russell Gentry and Lauren K. Stewart

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(23), 12076; https://doi.org/10.3390/app122312076 - 25 Nov 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1434

Abstract

This research bridges the gap between the quasi-static and high-strain-rate loading regimes in cross-laminated timber (CLT) by investigating two areas that have remained unstudied or elusive, i.e., rolling shear failure of CLT under impulsive, blast-like loading and intermediate strain rates in CLT. To study the conditions that would promote shear modes of failure, a novel, highly adaptable center-point testing system and methodology were developed that permitted the application of impulsive loading to undamaged CLT panels in a highly controlled and repeatable manner. The loading condition and low span-to-depth ratio (6.40 ≤ L:h ≤ 6.55) CLT were selected to encourage the development of shear modes of failure. Changes to the rotational rigidity at the boundary conditions allowed for the empirical simulation of realistic boundary conditions. Digital Image Correlation (DIC) and load cell data were used to identify failure modes following loss in resistance in the specimens. Overall, the experiment was successful in consistently eliciting shear modes of failure and providing damage characterization in impulsively loaded CLT. Shear modes of failure resulted in the dramatic loss of resistance in all specimens tested. Strain-rate enhancement in the dynamic apparent flexural stiffness of CLT of 1.3 to 7.2 times was observed. Lower levels of damage were observed in specimens with higher levels of boundary-condition rotational rigidity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Explosion Effects in the Built Environment)

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24 pages, 5811 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Explosive Driven Shock Tube-Based Laboratory Scale Test for Combined Blast and Fragment Impact Loading

by Oussama Atoui, Georgios Kechagiadakis, Abdelhafidh Moumen, Azer Maazoun, Bachir Belkassem, Lincy Pyl and David Lecompte

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(14), 6854; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12146854 - 6 Jul 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2445

Abstract

This work is a part of a larger research effort to better understand the combined effect of the blast wave and fragment impacts following the detonation of a shrapnel bomb. It is known that the time interval

Δ t

, which represents the [...] Read more.

Δ t

, which represents the difference in arrival time between the blast wave front and the fragment at the position of a given target object, has a significant influence on its response mode. This paper presents insights into the establishment of a laboratory scale technique to generate a combined blast loading and single or multiple projectile impacts on a target. The objective of the setup is to control the time interval

Δ t

to a certain extent so that the different response modes of the tested structures can be investigated. In order to reduce the complexity associated with the random nature of the shrapnel, steel ball bearings are used to simulate the projected fragments. They are embedded in a solid explosive charge, which is detonated at the entrance of an explosive driven shock tube. The experimental work demonstrates that it is possible to orient the path of a single projectile inside the tube when aiming at a target positioned at its exit. The setup guarantees the generation of a well-controlled planar blast wave characterized by its peak pressure, impulse and blast wave arrival time at the exit of the tube. The influence of the mass of the charge and the diameter of the projectile on its velocity study shows that for the same charge mass, the time interval increases with increasing projectile diameter. The experiments are numerically simulated based on an Eulerian approach using the LS-DYNA finite element software. The computational model allows to reveal details about the projectile flight characteristics inside the tube. Both the experimental and numerical data show the influence of the charge and projectile parameters on the time interval. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Explosion Effects in the Built Environment)

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Review

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32 pages, 2777 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Review of Blast Loading in the Urban Environment

by Adam Ratcliff, Sam Rigby, Sam Clarke and Stephen Fay

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(9), 5349; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13095349 - 25 Apr 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2375

Abstract

Urban blasts have become a significant concern in recent years. Whilst free-field blasts are well understood, the introduction of an urban setting (or any complex geometry) gives rise to multiple blast wave interactions and unique flow complexities, significantly increasing the difficulty of loading predictions. This review identifies commonly agreed-upon concepts or behaviours that are utilised to describe urban shock wave propagation, such as channelling and shielding, in conjunction with exploring urban characterisation metrics that aim to predict the effects on global blast loading for an urban blast. Likewise, discrepancies and contradictions are highlighted to promote key areas that require further work and clarification. Multiple numerical modelling programmes are acknowledged to showcase their ability to act as a means of validation and a preliminary testing tool. The findings contained within this review aim to inform future research decisions and topics better. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Explosion Effects in the Built Environment)

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