Probabilistic performance analysis of structural elements subjected to blast load using equivalent static force model

Abstract

This study presents a probabilistic analysis of a single degree of freedom (SDOF) system subjected to drift-controlled distant blast loading employing Monte-Carlo simulation using MATLAB. The simulations are achieved using an equivalent static force (ESF)–based model as the deterministic model. The loading and structural parameters are treated as random variables in the parametric sensitivity analysis. ESF factor and the resistance of the SDOF system are observed as the response parameters. ESF factor is found to be highly sensitive to positive pulse duration, whilst the resistance is found to be more sensitive to both positive pulse duration and the peak blast force. With the log-normal distribution of input parameters, the ESF factor and the resistance of the SDOF system follow the log-normal distribution. The present study suggests that the probabilistic analysis is more conservative than the deterministic analysis. The uncertainty can be incorporated in a deterministic approach for both analysis and design purposes by opting suitable factor of safety (FOS) based on probabilistic analysis.