Performance Assessment of RC Columns Under Near-Field Blast Loading Using CFD Modelling

This study investigates the effects of various design parameters on the performance of reinforced concrete columns under near-field blast loads, specifically for scaled distances less than 0.4 m/kg1/3. The computational fluid dynamics analysis method in LS-DYNA is used to model the detonation process of the explosive, the propagation of the blast wave, and its interaction with the structure. The model's ability to accurately predict blast loads and simulate structural response is verified against experimental data from the literature. Using the verified model, the influence of transverse reinforcement spacing, concrete cover, axial load ratio, and column cross-section shape on the structural performance is evaluated based on several parameters including the lateral displacement, the extent of the damage zone, material stress condition, and residual axial capacity.