An Example of Sequential Lethality Models: Debris Penetration into Conventional Buildings
Abstract
This paper summarizes an approach developed for obtaining quantitative vulnerabilities of buildings and their occupants exposed to falling debris, depending on (1) the fragment size, weight, and velocity, (2) the structural characteristics of the building roof and floors, and (3) the occupancy level of each floor of the building. The penetration model developed provides an example of the complexity that component lethality models must have to include the propagation of hazardous threats through the interior of a facility. The model is generic and can accommodate wood, steel, and concrete structural members. Kinetic energy of the impacting fragment is assumed to be fully transferred into the structural system, and the resulting response is computed using a simplified engineering model that includes both shear and flexural failures. The fragment's residual velocity after passing through each level is computed using conservation of energy methods to allow sequential treatment of all floors in a building. The hazard area resulting from fragment penetration is calculated probabilistically and, when combined with the floor occupancy, is used to produce an expected number of casualties for each impact. Sample results are presented to illustrate parametric sensitivities and potential areas of application.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA498665
Entities
People
- David D. Bogosian
- James B. Baeker
- John E. Crawford