Finite Element Modelling Of A Fixed Sandcrete Masonry Wall Under Blast Loading

ABSTRACT

Terrorism, with explosions both in and outside buildings, has become a significant

problem in the world. There are already several houses of unreinforced masonry, some of

which are historical. But under blast loading they do not function well. Retrofitting methods

have been developed to protect masonry buildings. Some research work has been carried out

in recent years to study the impact of retrofitted URM walls; these experiments require

usually significant time and funds. Also, with the attacks being carried out by Boko Haram

in Nigeria, a study is needed to check the behaviour of sandcrete masonry under blast loading

as it is widely used in Nigeria.

Unreinforced masonry walls are vulnerable to collapse when they are subjected to

explosives of out-of-plane and in-plane loads, as masonry houses were historically designed

with little to no consideration to the impact of explosive loads [1]. Because of the lack of

strengthening, many of these structures mostly fail in out-of-plane bending. In addition, the

key cause of death was found in the latest explosive attacks was unreinforced masonry

buildings (i.e. bursting into debris) [2]. In the field of structural engineering, the upgrade of

such structures has become a priority [3].

In order to mitigate out-of-plan bending, this study was conducted to develop and

test innovative fiber reinforcement techniques in the retrofitting of masonry walls. A model

was made using finite element analysis computer software called ABAQUS, to study the

behaviour of masonry wall subjected to the blast load. Also, CFRP material was applied to

the wall to improve the resistivity of the masonry wall to explosions and was modelled as

well to check if it’s has enough strength to withstand an explosive load.