Explicit-Dynamics Assessment of Reinforced Concrete Frame Response under TNT Blast: Stand-Off, Charge Weight and Incidence Angle Effects

International Journal of Civil Engineering

© 2026 by SSRG - IJCE Journal

Volume 13 Issue 3

Year of Publication : 2026

Authors : Basavaraj Gudadappanavar, M. Selvakumar, Mayura M Yeole, Vinayak A Hosur, Yuvaraja Dibdalli, Cesar Morales-Verdejo, Prashant Sunagar

10.14445/23488352/IJCE-V13I3P119

How to Cite?

Basavaraj Gudadappanavar, M. Selvakumar, Mayura M Yeole, Vinayak A Hosur, Yuvaraja Dibdalli, Cesar Morales-Verdejo, Prashant Sunagar, "Explicit-Dynamics Assessment of Reinforced Concrete Frame Response under TNT Blast: Stand-Off, Charge Weight and Incidence Angle Effects," SSRG International Journal of Civil Engineering, vol. 13,  no. 3, pp. 255-273, 2026. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23488352/IJCE-V13I3P119

Abstract:

The non-linear dynamic response of a Reinforced Concrete (RC) frame to external blast loading was examined in ANSYS Workbench Explicit Dynamics. A parametric matrix of 32 simulations was generated based on variations in equivalent charge weight (TNT) of 100, 200, 400, and 800 kg, stand-off distance 5, 10, 15, and 20 m, and angle of incidence 0° and 90°. The frame response was quantified using total frame deformation and equivalent von Mises stress and strain for both concrete and rebar. Frame response by deformation, stress, and strain was found to behave consistently with monotonic escalation for increased charge weight (range 100–800 kg) and strongly attenuated for increasing stand-off distance, 5 m to 20 m. Frame deformation was shown to be the most important parameter for mitigating blast loads, as increasing stand-off distance from 5 m to 20 m resulted in about a 79–92% reduction in peak deformation, depending on the charge weight and incidence angle. The angle of incidence also significantly influenced directional response demand and partitioning of the response; increasing the angle of incidence from 0° to 90° resulted in a 65% reduction of peak deformation in all simulations, with stand-off distance also being the most effective mitigation parameter. Reductions of equivalent strain were found to increase more than equivalent stress, with a 76% decrease in concrete and a 74% decrease in rebar. These findings enhance blast performance evaluation of concrete frames, identifying the effects of standard distances and loading direction on load-mitigation design.

Keywords:

Blast loading, Explicit dynamics, Stand-off distance, TNT charge weight, Von Mises stress, Strain.

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