Development of design formulas for predicting deflection in corrugated blast walls under explosion loads

Abstract

A corrugated blast wall is a passive explosion protection system designed to safeguard people, structures, and surrounding areas from the cascading effects of explosion accidents. In designing these walls, maximum and/or permanent deflection is a crucial criterion for assessing blast resistance and ensuring structural integrity. Engineers typically use numerical methods, such as finite element analysis (FEA), or analytical methods, like single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) analysis, to calculate deflections. However, these methods have certain limitations, including the need for specialized techniques, time consumption, and potential inaccuracies due to simplifications.

This study aims to develop design formulas that reduce the time required while enhancing accuracy in determining maximum and permanent deflections of corrugated blast walls under various explosion loads. The formulas were derived from 14,400 FEA cases, which assessed the blast wall’s capacity to withstand explosion loads across various design configurations, including height, thickness, and shape of the corrugated blast wall. Additionally, a Pressure-Impulse (PI) curve is plotted to illustrate the relationship between pressure and its duration during an explosion, aiding in the optimization of blast wall designs for maximum effectiveness in mitigating blast effects.