Performance–vulnerability matrix for blast-loaded structures: A PRISMA-guided meta-synthesis and analytical framework

With the escalating frequency of extreme explosive threats in high-density urban environments, quantifying the system-level performance and vulnerability of structural systems under blast loading has become a paramount engineering challenge. Unlike conventional single-degree-of-freedom or isolated-component fragility models, this study establishes a holistic, physics-informed Performance–Vulnerability Matrix (PVM) that bridges localized component failure mechanisms with global progressive-collapse vulnerability. Following the updated PRISMA 2020 methodology, a systematic meta-synthesis was conducted across 145 peer-reviewed investigations (encompassing high-fidelity numerical analyses, field blast tests, and state-of-the-art advancements up to 2025) along with major protective design standards, including UFC 3-340-02, ASCE 59-22, EN 1991-1-7, TM 5-1300, NATO AASTP-1, FEMA 426, and Iran’s Publication 936. A multi-parametric normalization and hybrid weighting scheme was developed to synthesize heterogeneous blast response datasets across reinforced concrete, structural steel, and masonry typologies under internal, close-in, and far-field detonation scenarios. Quantitative statistical synthesis demonstrates that structural connection deficiencies and load-path discontinuities account for 40%–55% of severe progressive-collapse triggers, while standoff distance exhibits an exponential decay relationship with residual structural capacity. Furthermore, the conventional qualitative “safe zone” concept is re-engineered into a deterministic performance domain defined by support rotation, dynamic ductility, and debris hazard threshold boundaries. High-performance retrofitting strategies, specifically Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) overlays, Fiber-Reinforced Polymers (FRP), Textile-Reinforced Mortars (TRM), ductile steel jacketing, and sacrificial energy-dissipating claddings, are quantitatively evaluated, revealing a 40%–50% enhancement in dynamic energy dissipation capacity when connection-specific rotational ductility is prioritized. The proposed PVM framework is validated against a benchmark multi-story frame under close-in blast scenarios, demonstrating high predictive fidelity. Finally, a step-by-step decision-making workflow is established for practicing structural engineers to optimize retrofit prioritization and protective spatial planning within resilient urban infrastructure.