The failure of Reinforced Concrete (RC) structures is increasing by the day, all over the world due to natural as well as man-made events, blast loading being one of the prime causes in case of man-made disasters. The number of occurrences of blast loading on the structures has noticeably increased all over as a part of anti-social/terror activities, accidental explosions and similar causes due to negligence. As a result, in addition to injuries to the mankind and habitations, the structural components like column, beam and slab sustain damage and eventual failure of the system they are part of. So examining the response of RC components has becomes an important issue at present time. This research aims to develop probabilistic models for estimating the capacity of Reinforced Concrete column which are integral and vital component of structural system subject to blast loading. A parametric analysis of RC columns subject to blast loading is carried out. The ultimate displacement and energy capacity of the RC column is estimated due to blast loading. Detailed Finite Element (FE) models of RC column subject to different blast loading scenarios are simulated. Using the results of the FE models, probabilistic models for estimating the displacement and energy capacity are developed. A case of building is simulated to examine the developed models and assess the vulnerability of the RC building designed as per current design provisions. The developed probabilistic capacity models will facilitate improvement and modifications in existing codal provisions for blast resistant design of structures.

Keywords: Reinforced concrete column, Blast loading, Probabilistic model, Capacity estimation, Displacement and energy capacity.