Stochastically simulated blast-induced ground motion effects on nonlinear response of an industrial masonry chimney

This paper presents the dynamic response analysis of industrial masonry chimney subjected to artificially generated surface blast induced ground shock by using a three-dimensional finite element model. The effects of surface blast-induced ground shocks on nearby structures depend on the distance between the explosion centre and the structure, and charge weight. Blast-induced ground motions can be represented by power spectral density function and applied to each support point of the 3D finite element model of the industrial masonry system. In this study, a parametric study is mainly conducted to estimate the effect of the blast-induced ground motions on the nonlinear response of a chimney type masonry structure. Therefore, the analysis was carried out for different values of the charge weights and distances from the charge center. The initial crack and propagation of the crack pattern at the base of the chimney were evaluated. Moreover, the maximum stresses and displacements through the height of the chimney were investigated. The results of the study underline that blast-induced ground motions effects should be considered to perform the non-linear dynamic analysis of masonry type chimney structures more accurately.