Blast Effects Analysis
K&C is at the cutting edge in its development of design software and high-fidelity physics based (HFPB) finite element codes. Results from these software tools allow us to understand and confirm the performance of buildings and structures subject to blast and shock loads. We have experience with most of the restricted design/analysis software developed by the US Government, some of which were generated by K&C, for the modeling of blast and shock phenomena and response. These include:
- BlastX - airblast predictions
- ConWep - airblast and ground shock predictions
- PI-Plus - structural component responses based on PI-curves
- SDOF - single degree-of-freedom dynamic response models
- MADYMO - human response model
- HazL - window response/design code
- WINGARD - window response/design code
- Blast/FX - building response model
- BlastPRO - building assessment model
- CBARD - analysis/design for RC columns subjected to blast
First principles codes such as DYNA3D, PRONTO3D, LS-DYNA, ADINA, and AUTODYN are used at K&C to build HFPB models capable of detailed predictions of airblast and fragment environments, and the resulting structural response.
Testing and Validation
The following areas provide an overview of our capabilities and experience with regards to the testing and validation of design/analysis software and analytic tools:
- Test programs to define the effects on structures of airblast, ground shock, and high velocity debris. These tests provide the basis for developing/validating blast-resistant designs for new construction and retrofit designs for existing buildings.
- Design of numerous test articles to measure blast effects on structures.
- Extensive experience validating both first-principles and engineering models by comparing their output with measured data and by developing improved analytic algorithms based on test data.
- Systems to protect occupants from the breakup of windows and in-fill walls.
- Tests to characterize debris and its effects in terms of blunt trauma on building occupants.
Designs to Ensure Survivability
We provide blast-resistant designs for diverse facilities, to protect them, their occupants and equipment from damage. Examples include:
- New construction and retrofits of existing buildings, including structural members, in-fill walls, roofs, floors and windows.
- Design and retrofit of mailrooms, loading docks, parking structures, and other high-risk areas for the protection of nearby occupants.
- Airblast and fragment barriers to protect occupied spaces.
- Buried bunkers, blockhouses, and other hardened facilities to protect occupants there from explosions and high velocity fragments.
- Structures to contain explosive environments.
Anti-Terrorist Services
We specialize in designing systems to protect buildings and occupants from close-in bombs and high velocity fragments and projectiles. Our approach to providing anti-terrorist services to our clients entails four primary parts: (1) threat identification, (2) threat impact analysis, (3) threat reduction or mitigation concepts, and (4) implementation design and construction. This basic process applies to both existing and new facilities and structures.
The threat can either be an imposed mandate by a government agency for a level of threat resistance; or bomb scenario analyses involving multiple possible threats and identification of key threats; or prescriptive design criteria, such as the missing column requirement of GSA. The impacts on the facility or structure are evaluated analytically using a variety of models. The output of these analyses depicts the areas of vulnerability as sustaining serious damage, collapse, injury, and loss of life, depending on the nature of the facilities, types of threats, and desired results. After these initial steps, engineering analyses are conducted to determine the most reliable and cost-effective means for reducing or mitigating the vulnerabilities.
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