Numerical Modeling of Steel Column for its Response to Large Explosive Loading using CEL-FEM Approach

In the past few decades, there has been a growing public concern regarding the protection of infrastructures against extreme events, specifically explosive detonations. Traditional structural design has predominantly focused on accounting for gravity, seismic, and wind loads as the primary factors to consider. The rise in subversive attacks has led to a heightened focus on blast load and its impact on infrastructures. Unconfined, surface explosions are a common type of terrorist attack that occurs outside of buildings. This has necessitated a greater understanding of the effects these explosions can have on structures. A comprehensive numerical model was created in Abaqus for a steel column measuring 2.41m in length and having a W150x24 cross-section. The model was then subjected to a powerful explosion equivalent to 100kg-TNT, with a standoff distance of 10.30m. To achieve this, an Eulerian-Lagrangian approach coupled with the Finite-element method (CEL-FEM) was employed. A thorough investigation was conducted by modifying the explosion's altitude (i.e., blast height), and the subsequent dynamic responses were analyzed and discussed. The outcomes of this investigation significantly enhance our comprehension of how steel columns respond when subjected to intense explosive forces.