Dynamic analysis methods for modelling timber assemblies subjected to blast loading

•A two-degree-of-freedom modelling software, BlasTDOF, is described and introduced.•Full-scale shock tube test results on timber assemblies are summarized.•Modelling results are accurate when compared with the experimental test data.•Single-degree-of-freedom modelling is not capable of accurately predicting behaviour.•Sensitivity analyses are performed to establish appropriate modelling methods.•Recommendations are made based on the results to obtain accurate predictions. This paper presents the theoretical development and experimental validation of a two-degree-of-freedom (TDOF) blast analysis software for the purpose of modelling timber assemblies subjected to blast loads. A total of fifty dynamic full-scale experimental tests on various timber assemblies amalgamated from five published studies are summarized and used for the validation of the software. Good agreement between the TDOF analytical results and experimental test results are found, including the failure modes and damage levels in both the wood member and connection components. Through sensitivity analyses, it was found that single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) modelling may only be utilized in cases where the boundary connections are specifically designed to remain elastic and possess a stiffness that is at least ten times that of the wood member. Cases where TDOF analysis is required in order to obtain accurate predictions of behaviour of the assembly, are presented and discussed.