Development of a Structural-Analysis Model for Blast-Resistant Design of Plant Facilities Subjected to Vapor-Cloud Explosion

In this study, a nonlinear dynamic analysis of a frame and single member, which reflect the characteristics of a plant facility, is performed using the commercial MIDAS GEN program and the results are analyzed. The general structural members and material properties of the plant are considered. The Newmark average-acceleration numerical-analysis method is applied to a plastic hinge to study material nonlinearity. The blast load of a vapor-cloud explosion, a representative plant explosion, is calculated, and nonlinear dynamic analysis is conducted on a frame and single member. The observed dynamic behavior is organized according to the ratio of natural period to load duration, maximum displacement, ductility, and rotation angle. The conditions and range under which the frame functions as a single member are analyzed and derived. NSFF with a beam-column stiffness ratio of 0.5 and ductility of 2.0 or more can be simplified and analyzed as FFC, whereas NSPF with a beam-column stiffness ratio of 0.5 and ductility of 1.5 or more can be simplified and analyzed as FPC. The results of this study can serve as guidelines for the blast-resistant design of plant facilities.