Inelastic Dynamic Finite-Element Design of Glazed Facade Systems for Blast Loading: Fid-Bau Portal

Inelastic Dynamic Finite-Element Design of Glazed Facade Systems for Blast Loading

Cussen, Ross / Van Eepoel, Peggy

Traditionally limited to high-security military and diplomatic facilities, the market for blast resistant windows and curtain walls has greatly expanded in the last decade to include courthouses, government office buildings, military housing, commercial buildings and research institutions. These buildings often have architectural, operational and budgetary requirements which are a challenge to satisfy when combined with the need to achieve high levels of protection. Single degree of freedom (SDOF) analytical methods typically used in the design of blast resistant glazed facade systems have been repeatedly shown to produce conservative designs when compared to results from explosive testing. The development of advanced analysis software has allowed engineers to more closely calculate the actual performance of glazed facade systems, achieving more cost efficient and aesthetically pleasing designs without compromising protection. In particular, non-linear, explicit, dynamic, finite element software that has the capability to model coupled behavior between the glass and framing members has been developed and validated through explosive testing. This paper examines recent advances in analytical tools used to predict the behavior of windows and curtain walls when subjected to blast loadings. Comparisons of designs developed using SDOF methodologies and advanced analytical approaches are presented.