Numerical analysis of AAC block masonry wall with CFRP & GFRP laminates under blast loading

Vehicle-borne and person-borne improvised explosive devices (IEDs) have become increasingly frequent in recent malicious attacks. Generally, Trinitrotoluene (TNT) is used in all explosive devices, targeting key building components to cause structural damage. Unreinforced masonry walls, commonly used in construction, are particularly vulnerable to blast loading due to their poor resistance to out-of-plane forces and the weaker bond between masonry units and mortar. Autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) blocks, while offering benefits such as thermal insulation and lightweight properties, also exhibit brittle failure under blast loading due to their lower tensile strength compared to their compressive capacity. Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) laminates, particularly glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) and carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) have become effective reinforcement solutions for masonry walls. These laminates enhance the tensile strength, ductility, and energy absorption capacity of masonry walls, improving their performance under dynamic loading conditions. Numerical simulation methods, such as the finite element method (FEM) and other computational techniques, are increasingly employed to model the complex behaviour of masonry structures under various loading conditions. The study aims to evaluate the performance of FRP-reinforced AAC masonry walls for varying TNT loads to address the underexplored application of FRP laminates to enhance the blast resistance of AAC masonry walls. Additionally, it investigates the impact of simultaneous blast effects on the slab. The present study demonstrates that the use of FRP wrapping considerably lowers the masonry wall's displacement and stresses under blast loading, with CFRP surpassing GFRP in this regard.