Full-scale Blast Test Response of Partially Grouted Masonry Walls
Abstract
This paper summarizes recent testing conducted as part of a collaborative research program among the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), the Portland Cement Association (PCA), and the National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA). The stated objective of the broader cooperative research program is "to develop blast protection data for concrete building products typically used in construction and to develop improvements to these designs as needed to improve blast resistance." The most recent component of the program focused on the blast impulse load response of partially grouted concrete masonry unit (CMU) walls that minimally comply with the standards of the Department of Defense Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC) and other relevant non-DoD specifications. Three design sections were evaluated: (1) a 6-inch standard block masonry wall reinforced with #3 rebar at 32-inch nominal spacing, (2) an 8-inch standard block masonry wall reinforced with #4 rebar at 48-inch nominal spacing, and (3) a cavity wall consisting of the 8-inch standard reinforced CMU wythe, plus a 4-inch clay facing brick veneer with 2-inch thick extruded polystyrene rigid board insulation and a 1-inch air gap between the structural wythe and the veneer. The test program included (1) large- displacement static resistance testing under uniform pressure in a vacuum chamber and (2) full-scale explosion arena testing. During the static testing, displacements were recorded as each test panel was loaded to collapse, and the resistance function results were assessed against the resistance definitions assumed by standard blast design methodologies. Interior and exterior videography was also used to record the progression of failure. Subsequent to the static testing, three full-scale explosion arena tests were conducted; each experiment involved one each of the three test panel designs (nine total panels tested).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA541932
Entities
People
- Bryan T. Bewick
- James S. Davidson
- Michael I. Hammons
Organizations
- Auburn University