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The behavior of nonmilitary buildings subjected to blast is considered. Case studies from World War II are described, as well as more recent events from the detonation of large vehicle borne devices in the Middle East, North America, and Europe. Conventional methods for nonseismic design are shown to lead to frames with overstrong beams connected together by relatively weak connections. This may explain much of the evidence from bomb damaged buildings in which building connections have been observed to fracture in a brittle manner when subjected to blast. The risk of progressive collapse may be minimized by strengthening beam to column connections located at close proximity to potential vehicle borne devices and a capacity design method for such strengthening is advocated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents some findings of the FEMA and SEI/ASCE sponsored studies of structural performance of New York’s World Trade Center (WTC) following the attacks of September 11, 2001, and the Murrah Building following the April 19, 1995, Oklahoma City bombing. The WTC collapses were caused not by aircraft impact alone but by the combination of impact and the resulting fire that weakened structural members and connections. On the other hand, the Murrah Building collapsed as a direct result of the blast. Although these studies call for further research in a number of areas, this report summarizes some of the lessons learned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Describes the investigation of the damage caused by the blast and the failure mechanism for the Afred A. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Structural and engineering details of the building; Structural drawings and system; Summary of the possible failure mechanism for the building.

Provides an analysis of the blast loading and its direct effect on the structure of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Methods used for blast loading analysis; Details on the analysis; Conclusion.

Presents information on a study designed to investigate the damage that occurred in Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City as a result of the blast caused by a bomb. Factors that provide the mass and toughness necessary to reduce the effects of extreme overloads on buildings; Scope of the work; Response of the building to the blast; Summary of findings; Recommendations for design and construction of new federal buildings.

Focuses on protecting people in buildings from terrorist attack. Discussion on the events of September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the U.S.; Factors to consider in reducing damage and casualties caused by explosions; Details on progressive collapse as an area of structural engineering.