Estimation of Masonry Wall Damage Under Blast Load Using Partial Micro Method

In numerous explosive attacks, non-structural elements, including masonry walls, are severely damaged, although no serious damage is inflicted on structural elements. Besides, the structure of most buildings in military centers are made of masonry walls. Therefore, it is necessary to study the behavior of these walls subjected to blast load. In this regard, some research has focused on experimental studies. Because these experimental studies include difficulties in terms of security, safety and cost, using numerical studies as a complement can be very effective. In this paper, numerical simulation of masonry walls with mortar is described with a partial micro approach, using ANSYS AUTODYN software, and element characteristics, material models, equations of state and values of corresponding parameters are introduced step by step. By verifying the numerical analysis results with experimental data, it has been shown that this method is able to estimate the behavior and damage of masonry walls under blast loading, accurately and quickly. Moreover, the co-damage curves in terms of overpressure and impulse parameters is presented, which can be a helpful guide to the optimal design of walls based on different threat scenarios and cost. Finally, this model can be used to develop a corresponding retrofitting strategy for the existing walls in terms of possible threat scenarios.