Reinforcement Details for Structural Concrete Blast Containment Facilities

Abstract : This paper is focussed primarily on the behavior and design of typical three-dimensional slab-to-slab-to-slab joints for monolithic construction of blast containment structures, and the reinforcement details associated with such facilities. The fundamental requirements for all connections were to allow the adjoining members to develop their full structural resistance, to insure adequate performance of the structure, and to avoid unacceptable damage in the connection region. For each case a 3D finite element model of the region of interest was developed, in which different reinforcement configurations were employed. Loading conditions for each case were based on design requirements and data obtained from the literature. These analyses were performed in the nonlinear dynamic domain employing the finite element code DYNA3D. A modified concrete model was introduced, while the steel was represented as individual bars and experimental stress-strain relationships. The observed numerical behavior was used to highlight possible difficulties in current design recommendations, and for evaluating various scenarios that were of interest. The observations, findings and concerns on reinforcement detailing, and a discussion of the corresponding design applications are presented.