Investigation of window opening effects on blast resistance of square reinforced concrete panels via numerical and machine learning-based methods

Abstract

To accommodate functional requirements in modern buildings, such as door and window installations, structural panels used as building facade often feature pre-fabricated openings. Studying the dynamic response of reinforced concrete (RC) structural panels with openings offers valuable insights into the effectiveness of design strategies. This paper aims to investigate the behaviour of two-way square RC panels with openings subjected to blast loads. Firstly, numerical simulations were conducted to analyse the blast-resistant response of two-way square RC panels with window openings. The results showed that the maximum displacement and damage of the panels with openings were significantly lower compared to solid panels. This reduction is primarily due to the fact that part of the blast waves passes through the opening, thereby decreasing the blast load on the panel. Furthermore, parametric studies indicated that panels with square opening at center exhibited a lower blast response as compared to openings of other shapes and at other locations. Finally, a predictive model for the normalized maximum displacement of RC panels with openings under blast loading was developed using machine learning techniques, providing a reliable tool for future design applications.