A comprehensive experimental assessment of reinforced concrete walls under blast: In situ monitoring of loading, dynamic response and damage with NDT methods and embedded sensors
Source: BAM
Numerical modeling is increasingly relevant for assessing the blast effects on structures. In order to apply simulation results reliably in the design process, rigorous validation of the underlying models and calibration to the respective scenarios must be ensured. Compared to numerical simulations, current experimental realizations of blast testing provide only a fraction of the information, which hinders thorough validation.
As a part of a multidisciplinary research project, extensive blast testing was carried out on reinforced concrete elements at BAM. The aim was to comprehensively characterize the load, the structural response, and the resulting damage using state-of-the-art measurement methods. The research supports the BAM-mission of “Safety in Technology and Chemistry” by contributing to the evaluation and improvement of the safety of technical systems under highly dynamic explosion loads.
Two reinforced concrete walls were tested under varying explosion scenarios. The loading was recorded using flush-mounted piezoelectric pressure sensors and compared with numerical simulations. The dynamic response was recorded using high-speed DIC (digital image correlation) and acceleration sensors. In addition, distributed fiber optic sensors and an ultrasonic scanner were used to detect invisible cracks.
The results will be used to further develop protection concepts for critical infrastructures. In particular, the use of non-destructive testing (NDT) methods and embedded sensor technology strengthens the technical safety assessment. In addition, such a holistic approach provides the necessary basis for the validation and further development of numerical models for structural analysis under explosion loads. Future work will focus on improving sensor integration, expanding test scenarios, and possible applications of the methods for evaluating existing structures. The combination of experimental data collection and simulation promises increased efficiency in safety assessment and contributes to the reduction of resource intensive large-scale tests.
A comprehensive experimental assessment of reinforced concrete walls under blast: In situ monitoring of loading, dynamic response and damage with NDT methods and embedded sensors
Rene Costard, Daniel Kadoke, Thomas Kind, Konstantin Hicke, Götz Hüsken
International Journal of Protective Structures, 2025