57. STRUCTURAL CONTROL OF DYNAMIC BLAST LOADING USING FLUID VISCOUS DAMPERS
This paper evaluates the effectiveness of Fluid Viscous Dampers to reduce blast loading responses in steel buildings. The paper addresses the following issues: (1) development of a blast loading time history from a 3,000 pound explosive charge, (2) characteristics and historical applications of fluid Viscous Dampers for blast and weapon effects, and (3) blast effects and performance comparisons of a conventional steel building frame with and without dampers, and a conventional concrete shear wall building. Simulation results indicate that Fluid Viscous Dampers provide a cost effective way to greatly improve the performance of steel building frames under blast loading.