EFFECT OF STRUCTURAL COLUMNS ON EXPLOSION RESISTANCE OF LOAD-BEARING MASONRY WALLS

Based on the numerical analysis method, the calculation model of explosion resistance for load-bearing masonry walls was modelled by the software LS-DYNA. The validity of the model and the method of explosive load application were verified by relevant anti-explosion test literatures. The failure modes of walls under explosive loads with different distance proportions and the anti-explosive effect of structured columns with different spacing on walls were studied. The parameter of ratio for the opening width and wall width (θ) was put forward, which could reflect the influences of openings on walls. The dynamic responses of walls with different θ under explosive loads and the effect of setting structural columns as anti-explosion measures were analyzed. The results showed that the explosion resistance of load-bearing masonry walls could be effectively improved by setting structural columns. The spacing of structural columns should not be too large or too small, and the spacing of 3 m was the most reasonable. With the increase of θ, the damage degree of the walls increased. When θ was larger, the damage degree of walls with two small openings was more serious than that of with a large opening. For a wall with a larger θ, the explosion resistance of the wall was obviously enhanced by adding structural columns on both sides and at the opening, but the serious damage could still occur in the wall below the openings. The addition of lintels at the bottom of openings could efficiently control the cracking in walls with smaller openings, but in walls with larger opening, the damage still occured serisusly, the further reinforcing measure should be studied.