Introduction

In an increasingly unpredictable world, where threats from accidental explosions to malicious attacks pose significant risks to human life and critical infrastructure, Blast-Resistant Building Design has become an indispensable discipline for engineers and security professionals. Protecting occupants and ensuring structural integrity against explosive forces requires specialized knowledge beyond conventional structural engineering, demanding a deep understanding of blast phenomena, dynamic material response, and advanced structural hardening techniques. This training course is meticulously designed to equip civil and structural engineers, architects, security consultants, government officials, and defense contractors with cutting-edge knowledge and practical skills in understanding blast loads and their characteristics, mastering dynamic analysis methods for blast effects, applying modern design codes and guidelines for blast resistance, exploring various structural hardening techniques for building components, utilizing advanced materials for enhanced protection, and leveraging specialized software tools for complex blast simulations. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to conceptualize, analyze, and design robust and resilient buildings that can withstand explosive events, minimize damage, and safeguard lives.

Target Audience

• Civil Engineers (Structural Design Focus)
• Structural Engineers
• Architects (involved in security-sensitive projects)
• Security Consultants & Risk Managers
• Government Officials (Homeland Security, Defense, Critical Infrastructure)
• Defense Contractors
• Building Code Officials & Regulators
• Researchers in Blast Engineering
• Advanced Engineering Students

Objectives

• Understand the fundamental principles of blast phenomena and explosive effects.
• Master the characteristics of blast loads and their interaction with structures.
• Learn about various dynamic analysis methods for structures subjected to blast loads.
• Develop proficiency in designing blast-resistant structural components (walls, slabs, columns).
• Understand the behavior of different materials (concrete, steel, masonry) under blast loading.
• Explore strategies for mitigating progressive collapse in blast-resistant designs.
• Learn about the design of non-structural components and building envelopes for blast protection.
• Develop skills in using specialized software for blast load calculation and structural response.
• Understand relevant codes, standards, and guidelines for blast-resistant design.
• Explore advanced topics such as protective design for critical infrastructure and unconventional threats.
• Formulate comprehensive blast-resistant design solutions for various building types.

Course Content

Module 1. Fundamentals of Explosions and Blast Phenomena

• Types of Explosions: Detonation, deflagration, chemical, nuclear
• Explosive Characteristics: Energy release, blast wave generation
• Blast Wave Parameters: Peak overpressure, impulse, duration, positive and negative phases
• Free-field vs. reflected blast waves
• Effects of confinement and geometry on blast loads

Module 2. Blast Load Characteristics and Interaction with Structures

• Blast Load Definition: Pressure-time histories on structural surfaces
• Scaling Laws: Hopkinson-Cranz scaling for blast effects
• Standoff distance and charge weight effects
• Blast Wave Interaction: Reflection, diffraction, shielding
• Air blast vs. ground shock effects

Module 3. Dynamic Analysis of Structures Under Blast Loads

• Single Degree of Freedom (SDOF) Systems: Equivalent SDOF modeling for blast response
• Dynamic Response: Impulsive, dynamic, quasi-static regimes
• Ductility ratio and energy absorption capacity
• Resistance Functions: Idealized and actual resistance functions for structural elements
• Response charts and pressure-impulse (P-I) diagrams

Module 4. Material Behavior Under High Strain Rates

• Dynamic Increase Factor (DIF): For concrete, steel, and other materials
• Strain rate effects on yield strength, ultimate strength, and ductility
• Stress-Strain Relationships: Dynamic material models
• Spalling and scabbing in concrete under blast
• Failure modes of materials under impulsive loads

Module 5. Design of Blast-Resistant Concrete Components

• Reinforced Concrete Walls: Design for flexural and shear resistance under blast
• Slabs and Roofs: Design for blast pressure and debris impact
• Columns and Beams: Design for combined axial and flexural blast loads
• Detailing for ductility and energy absorption
• Use of high-strength concrete and fiber-reinforced concrete

Module 6. Design of Blast-Resistant Steel Components

• Steel Beams and Columns: Design for dynamic response and large deformations
• Steel Plates and Panels: Design for blast pressure
• Connections: Ensuring ductile behavior and energy dissipation
• Progressive collapse prevention in steel structures
• Use of high-strength steel and energy-absorbing steel

Module 7. Progressive Collapse Prevention in Blast Design

• Defining Progressive Collapse: Disproportionate collapse due to localized damage
• Design Strategies: Alternate Path Method (APM), Enhanced Local Resistance (ELR)
• Redundancy and Robustness: Ensuring multiple load paths
• Tie forces and continuity requirements
• Case studies of progressive collapse in buildings

Module 8. Design of Non-Structural Components and Building Envelope

• Curtain Walls and Glazing: Design for blast pressure and fragment retention
• Doors and Windows: Blast-resistant doors, frames, and hardware
• HVAC Systems: Protection of ducts, vents, and equipment
• Utility lines and conduits: Isolation and protection
• Fragment retention and mitigation strategies

Module 9. Protective Design for Critical Infrastructure

• Threat Assessment: Identifying specific threats to critical infrastructure (e.g., government buildings, power plants, transportation hubs)
• Vulnerability Assessment: Identifying weaknesses in existing structures
• Risk Mitigation: Layered defense approach
• Hardening strategies for critical components
• Design for multiple hazards (blast, seismic, fire)

Module 10. Advanced Blast Mitigation Techniques

• Stand-Off Distance: Maximizing distance from threat
• Sacrificial Elements: Designed to absorb blast energy
• Energy Absorbing Materials: Foam concrete, composites
• Blast walls and berms for external protection
• Retrofitting existing structures for blast resistance

Module 11. Blast Analysis Software and Modeling

• Software Tools: LS-DYNA, ABAQUS, AT-Blast, SAP2000/ETABS (for dynamic analysis)
• Modeling Techniques: Finite Element Method (FEM) for blast simulation
• Single Degree of Freedom (SDOF) analysis tools
• Material constitutive models for high strain rates
• Interpretation and validation of simulation results

Module 12. Human Response to Blast and Occupant Protection

• Blast Effects on Humans: Overpressure, fragmentation, whole-body response
• Injury Criteria: Thresholds for various types of injuries
• Design for occupant protection: Safe haven areas, egress routes
• Mitigation of secondary hazards: Debris, fire, toxic gases
• Emergency response planning for blast incidents

Module 13. Security Integration and Layered Defense

• Integrated Security Design: Combining physical security with structural hardening
• Access Control Points: Design for blast resistance
• Vehicle barriers and bollards
• Surveillance and detection systems
• Coordination with security personnel and protocols

Module 14. Codes, Standards, and Guidelines for Blast Design

• DoD UFC 3-340-02 (Structures to Resist the Effects of Accidental Explosions)
• ASCE/SEI 59 (Blast Protection of Buildings)
• GSA (General Services Administration) security design criteria
• International guidelines and best practices
• Compliance and certification processes

Module 15. Case Studies and Future Trends in Blast-Resistant Design

• Analysis of Real-World Incidents: Lessons learned from past bombings and explosions
• Case Studies: Successful blast-resistant building designs
• Smart Materials: Self-healing, adaptive materials for blast protection
• AI and Machine Learning in threat assessment and design optimization
• Future of protective design: Adaptive structures, advanced sensing, multi-hazard resilience.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.