Collapse Resistance of RC Moment-Resisting Frame and Shear Wall Structural Systems Exposed to Blast

Various characteristics of a structure influence its response when subjected to a blast load. This has important implications for survivability and resistance to progressive collapse. In this study, the effect of the type of lateral load resisting system on reinforced concrete (RC) building resistance to progressive collapse when exposed to blast load was examined. Fourteen different reinforced concrete structures were considered for analysis, with five structures designed as moment-resisting frames and nine designed as shear wall systems. Buildings with 3, 6, and 10 stories with 3-, 4-, and 5-bay symmetric configurations were considered. The structures were exposed to external and internal charges, whereas the nonlinear, transient dynamic analysis of collapse behavior was investigated with a finite-element-based approach, the applied element method (AEM). The results show that the shear-wall structures and structures larger in height and plan generally provide greatest resistance to blast damage and progressive collapse.