Modelling of Masonry Walls under Blast Loading: A Case Study of Nigerian Sandcrete

I. Rufai

Abstract


Terror bombings have become a major problem in Nigeria over the past decade. In this study, the most widely used masonry unit in the country – sandcrete – is modelled as infill in a reinforced concrete frame under different scenarios of blast loading on the finite element software, Abaqus CAE. Through many variations, sandcrete is found to fail under low stresses as expected. Retrofitting with carbon fibre proves to be a very effective remediation measure – much more than internally reinforcing sandcrete with steel bars. Recognising that applying structural mitigation measures such as these two is not always possible, safe standoff distances were found in each case based on stress and displacement failure criteria. These distances can help designers to determine the locations of traffic barriers and other critical infrastructure when considering blast loading. These are seen as tangible measures that can be taken to protect lives and property. 


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