Ahmed Khalil, Ph.D., P.E., M. ASCE will be presenting a paper entitled, “Multi-hazard Modeling of Vapor Cloud Explosion for Offshore Structures Using AEM” at Structures Congress 2018 on Thrusday, April 19 from 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM in room 203BC

Abstract: The Applied Element Method has been shown to be an efficient technique to model blast loading on structures. The technique allows three dimensional nonlinear dynamic analysis of full size structures subjected to blast loading. The method permits modeling secondary components and the analysis is numerically efficient allowing it to perform time history analysis of a full single well observation platform. The structure consists of a single level service deck supported by three driven piles and a bracing frame. The analyses are carried out under the effects of multiple vapor cloud explosion scenarios. The strain rate effect is taken into consideration in the analysis. The pressure time histories generated based on the vapor cloud explosions are compared to the typical pressure history proposed in ASCE guidelines for design of petrochemical facilities.

Authors: Ahmed Khalil, Ph.D., P.E., M. ASCE and Ayman Elfouly, P.E. M. ASCE.