Design of Reinforced Concrete Buildings to Resist Blast

Terrorism has become a serious threat in the world. This threat cannot be ignored. The main terrorist weapon is a bomb made from high explosives, with civilian buildings being a common target. Terrorists usually want to create chaos and maximize casualties. A growing emphasis is therefore being placed on anti-terrorism protection of civilian buildings. It is recognized that iconic structures as well as structures where mass congregation is likely, may be ‘soft targets’ for attack. Thus blast provisions are now an integral part of the design of major civilian facilities, e.g. hospitals, large hotels, shopping centres, stadia etc. In addition, buildings housing critical infrastructure, e.g., electrical sub-stations, are other likely targets. This book is about the effects of blast on civilian, rather than military, structures. The latest forms of structural and glazing protection are discussed. In practical design, extensive use of software is usually made. However, this book covers design principles. Hand-calculations are emphasized so that a “feel” for the likely behaviour of the structure under blast loading is obtained. Although the book is directly concerned with only RC buildings, the principles can easily be extended to structural steel buildings.