Numerical Investigation of Blast Performance of Plate-Reinforced Moment-Resisting Connection Using Large Concrete Filled Tubular Section

This paper presents a numerical study to investigate the blast performance of a plate-reinforced moment-resisting connection using a large concrete filled tubular (CFT) column with dimensions of 1000 × 1000 mm and a thickness of 40 mm. A steel H-section with dimensions of 700 × 300 × 13 × 24 mm is used for beam. The plate-reinforced large CFT connection is analyzed numerically using a finite element code to evaluate its blast resistance. The methodology of modeling the connection is validated based on a past experimental study and verified using an alternate finite element code. Five improvised explosive devices (IED) are considered as blast loadings. The blast resistance of the proposed connection against the IED attacks is investigated based on the design criteria specified in the U.S. government document, UFC 3-340-02, and in comparison to that of a widely used through-diaphragm moment connection. Local failure modes in the vicinity of the connections are also examined. Recommendation is provided for design practice.