Comparative Structural Design for Pressure- and Temperature- Resistant Buildings with Loads Affecting Externally on Structures of Different Heights

Abstract

Loads from explosions can be classified as internal blast load and external blast load and these loads have great severity, continuity and rapidity. That is, explosions cause massive structural damage by exposing surrounding structures to extremely high pressure and temperature. Thus, structures at risk of explosive damage must be stronger than typical buildings in withstanding both ordinary loads and the additional pressure and temperature loads caused. Explosion-resistant structures are required in the petrochemical industry, explosive armories, power stations, and gas storage facilities, among others. This study aims to examine and compare the structural performance of two building of different heights, which are 5-floor and 2-floor, subject to three types of loads: (1) the pressure of 300 bars, (2) the temperature of 300 °C, and (3) the pressure of 300 bars combined with the temperature of 300 °C. The research analyzes three primary reinforced structures, namely columns, beams, and slabs, in terms of the parameters resulting from each scenario to determine a set of criteria for designing the structural components of the buildings to resist the external blasts.