Small-scale blast load and structural response measurement

Abstract

Blast loading in terrorist attacks can involve the detonation of many hundreds or even thousands of kg of high explosive. Experimental work to assess the effects of such loading can be conducted at full scale, but such work can only be carried out at large (usually military) facilities and the costs involved can be very high. Consequently, research work has been conducted for many years on small-scale models of full-sized scenarios. In previous years, scale model tests were used to define structural response mechanisms and predict the effects of full-scale loading, using scaling laws discussed below. Currently, small-scale modelling is more frequently as a cost-effective method of validation of computer-based numerical models of structural response. These models may then be used (with care) to analyse full-scale scenarios, although full-scale validation is always desirable. This paper describes some of the recent developments in instrumentation techniques which are facilitating more comprehensive and accurate measurements of blast wave loading and structural response, and enabling experimental workers to conduct more detailed validation studies of numerical modelling work.