Failure Mechanisms of Polymer-Reinforced Concrete Masonry Walls Subjected to Blast

Recent terrorist attacks indicate the improvised explosive device as the choice terror tactic. Over the past decade, the U.S. Department of Defense has encouraged and sponsored research toward developing methods of reinforcing structures to protect building occupants from the effects of external explosion. The focus of wall reinforcement research has recently shifted from applying stiff fiber-reinforced composites to using lower-strength higher-elongation elastomeric polymers that can be easily applied to the wall interior. This paper presents recent efforts that have demonstrated an innovative use of thin-membrane elastomeric polymers to prevent breaching and collapse of unreinforced masonry walls subjected to blast. The complex array of failure mechanisms observed from recent explosive tests is discussed. Effects of structural and nonstructural parameters are described with the aid of finite-element simulations. Finally, the needs and direction of future blast reinforcement developments are outlined.