RP 4-6 Procedure For The Design of Buildings Subject To Blast Loading

RP 4-6
PROCEDURE FOR THE DESIGN OF

BUILDINGS SUBJECT TO BLAST
LOADING
November 1993
Copyright © The British Petroleum Company p.l.c.

Copyright © The British Petroleum Company p.l.c.
All rights reserved. The information contained in this document is subject
to the terms and conditions of the agreement or contract under which the
document was supplied to the recipient's organisation. None of the
information contained in this document shall be disclosed outside the
recipient's own organisation without the prior written permission of
Manager, Standards, BP International Limited, unless the terms of such
agreement or contract expressly allow.
BP GROUP RECOMMENDED PRACTICES AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR ENGINEERING
Issue Date November 1993

Doc. No. RP 4-6 Latest Amendment Date
Document Title
PROCEDURE FOR THE DESIGN OF
BUILDINGS SUBJECT TO BLAST
LOADING
(Replaces Appendix B of BP Engineering CP 19)
APPLICABILITY
Regional Applicability: International
SCOPE AND PURPOSE
This Recommended Practice may be used by all BP businesses who own or operate land
based buildings in areas subject to blast risks. This document may be applied to all types
of buildings and is not restricted to control buildings.
Its purpose is:-
(a) To provide advice on the methods available to determine blast loading.
(b) To provide guidance on how the costs and benefits of protecting buildings may be
determined.
(c) To give guidance on the methods available and principles of structural design for
buildings exposed to blast loading.
(d) To give guidance on upgrading of existing buildings.
AMENDMENTS
Amd Date Page(s) Description
___________________________________________________________________
CUSTODIAN (See Quarterly Status List for Contact)

Civil Eng. & Geotechnics
Issued by:-
Engineering Practices Group, BP International Limited, Research & Engineering Centre
Chertsey Road, Sunbury-on-Thames, Middlesex, TW16 7LN, UNITED KINGDOM
Tel: +44 1932 76 4067 Fax: +44 1932 76 4077 Telex: 296041
CONTENTS
Section Page
FOREWORD ..........................................................................................................................iii
1. INTRODUCTION ...............................................................................................................1
2. LOADING ............................................................................................................................1
2.1 Blast Loading.................................................................................................................2
2.2 Traditional Methods ......................................................................................................2
3. BLAST RISK ASSESSMENT............................................................................................3
4. COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS (CBA) ................................................................................3

4.1 Options For Blast Protections........................................................................................4
4.2 Costs .....................................................................................................................4
4.3 Benefits (Loss Reduction) .............................................................................................4
4.4 Cost Benefit Ratio .........................................................................................................5
5. LOAD COMBINATIONS ..................................................................................................6
6. ANALYSIS AND DESIGN OF STRUCTURES...............................................................6

6.1 Dynamic Analysis..........................................................................................................6
6.2 CIA Method...................................................................................................................7
6.3 Equivalent Static Method ..............................................................................................7
6.4 Existing Buildings .........................................................................................................7
7. CONSIDERATIONS FOR TOXIC AND FIRE RISKS .....................................................7

7.1 Toxic Risk .....................................................................................................................7
7.2 Fire Risk .....................................................................................................................8
FIGURE 1.................................................................................................................................9
COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS PROCEDURE ....................................................................9
FIGURE 2...............................................................................................................................10
DESIGN PROCEDURE FOR BUILDINGS SUBJECT TO BLAST LOADING ............10
FIGURE 3...............................................................................................................................11
TYPICAL STRUCTURAL SCHEMES FOR DESIGN BLAST LOADS........................11
APPENDIX A.........................................................................................................................12
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS ........................................................................12
APPENDIX B.........................................................................................................................13
LIST OF REFERENCED DOCUMENTS ........................................................................13
APPENDIX C.........................................................................................................................14
DESIGN OF BLAST-RESISTANT BUILDINGS............................................................14
C1. GENERAL.......................................................................................................................14
RP 4-6
PROCEDURE FOR THE DESIGN OF BUILDINGS PAGE i
SUBJECT TO BLAST LOADING
C2. DEFINITION ..................................................................................................................14
C3. EXCLUDED MATERIALS...........................................................................................14
C4. SPECIFICATIONS ........................................................................................................14

C4.1 Dynamic Design Methods .....................................................................14
*C5. LOADS ..........................................................................................................................15

C5.1 Normal Building Loads ........................................................................15
C5.2 Positive Blast Pressures and Durations...............................................15
C5.3 Negative Blast Loadings .......................................................................16
C6. DESIGN LOADING COMBINATIONS......................................................................16
C7. DESIGN CRITERIA AND CALCULATION METHOD ..........................................16

C7.1 Normal Loading Conditions....................................................................16
C7.2 Blast Loading Conditions........................................................................16
C8. DYNAMIC DESIGN CAPACITY ................................................................................19

C8.1 Calculations.............................................................................................19
C9. ADDITIONAL STRUCTURAL REQUIREMENTS..................................................20

C9.1 Reinforced Concrete................................................................................20
C9.2 Reinforcing Bars......................................................................................20
C9.3 Joints .......................................................................................................20
C10. FOUNDATIONS...........................................................................................................20
C10.1 Foundation Design ................................................................................20
C11. ADDITIONAL DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS ........................................................21

C11.1 Location................................................................................................21
C11.2 Orientation.............................................................................................21
C11.3 External Doors.......................................................................................21
C11.4 Other Openings .....................................................................................22
C11.5 Viewing Facilities ................................................................................22
C11.6 Roof Plant..............................................................................................22
C11.7 Staffing Levels ......................................................................................23
C11.8 Internal Finishes ....................................................................................23
C11.9 Wall/Ceiling - Mounted Equipment......................................................23
C11.10 Internal Partitions ................................................................................23
C11.11 External Features.................................................................................23
C11.12 Services Connections ..........................................................................23
TABLE C.1.............................................................................................................................24
TABLE C.2.............................................................................................................................24
FIGURE C1............................................................................................................................25
RP 4-6
PROCEDURE FOR THE DESIGN OF BUILDINGS PAGE ii
FOREWORD
Introduction to BP Group Recommended Practices and Specifications for Engineering
The Introductory volume contains a series of documents that provide an introduction to the
BP Group Recommended Practices and Specifications for Engineering (RPSEs). In
particular, the 'General Foreword' sets out the philosophy of the RPSEs. Other documents in
the Introductory volume provide general guidance on using the RPSEs and background
information to Engineering Standards in BP. There are also recommendations for specific
definition and requirements.
Value of this Recommended Practice
This Recommended Practice is intended for use when determining blast load and designing
buildings and structures to resist blast. It provides guidance on how the costs and benefits of
protection may be established.
Application
Text in italics is Commentary. Commentary provides background information which

supports the requirements of the Recommended Practice, and may discuss alternative options.
It also gives guidance on the implementation of any 'Specification' or 'Approval' actions.
Specific actions which require input from the operator/project team are indicated by an
asterisk (*) preceding a paragraph number.
This document may refer to certain local, national or international regulations but the
responsibility to ensure compliance with legislation and any other statutory requirements lies
with the user. The user should adapt or supplement this document to ensure compliance for
the specific application.
Principal Changes from Previous Edition
This Recommended Practice replaces Appendix B of BP Engineering CP 19. It gives

guidance on procedures for assessing blast loading and designing structures to withstand the
blast load.
Feedback and Further Information
Users of BP RPSEs are invited to submit any comments and detail experiences in their
application, to assist in their continuous improvement.
For feedback and further information, please contact Standards Group, BP International or
the Custodian. See Quarterly Status List for contacts.
RP 4-6
PROCEDURE FOR THE DESIGN OF BUILDINGS PAGE iii
1. INTRODUCTION
Determination of blast loading and design of buildings subject to blast should involve
a team of experienced civil/structural engineers, process engineers and safety risk
analysts. This Recommended Practice is based on a four step approach which may be
applied to the design of new buildings and the upgrading of existing buildings. The
steps are as follows;
- Determine the blast risk.

- Identify options for design/location of building.
- Evaluate options.
- Carry out detailed structural design.
The objective of the approach is to determine the incremental risk due to blast loading
and ensure it is kept within acceptable bounds.
The major consideration when specifying the blast resistant requirements for a new
building at a given location (or assessing an existing building) is the risk presented by
the plant. It is recommended that a blast risk assessment is carried out to evaluate the
nature, magnitude and potential consequences of these hazards.
For new buildings various location options may be considered subject to operational
requirements. Different strengths of building structures may be required for each
location. For existing buildings strengthening options may be considered.
The decision concerning the choice of the most appropriate location and design blast
load for new buildings on a proposed plant may be determined using cost benefit
analysis (CBA) based on a risk assessment. CBA may also be used to evaluate
upgrading proposals for existing buildings.
Where a building is subject to blast, the design philosophy should aim to maximise
economy, while ensuring reliable and predictable performance. The design should
take into account the dynamic characteristics of the building structure.
2. LOADING
Buildings and structures are subjected to a wide range of loading. This includes
normal design loading such as dead load, live load and environmental load (i.e. wind,
snow, seismic, etc.). Buildings must be designed to resist combinations of these loads
as specified in national codes of practice and standards. In addition a building may
also be subjected to blast loading.
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PROCEDURE FOR THE DESIGN OF BUILDINGS PAGE 1
2.1 Blast Loading
For structural design the blast pressure impulse must be considered.

This is defined by a peak incident overpressure (Po), a positive phase
duration (to) and a load time history (i.e. variation of overpressure with
time during the positive phase).
It is recommended these values are obtained using the blast risk

assessment procedure as described in Section 3. This approach is
relatively recent and 'traditional' methods are described in 2.2 to
illustrate their uses and conservatism.
2.2 Traditional Methods
2.2.1 CIA Prescribed Dynamic
The Chemical Industries Association (CIA) publication 'Process plant Hazard and
Control Building Design' (1979) contains a set of blast loadings based on relating
Unconfined Vapour Cloud Explosions to TNT equivalence. These loadings are given
in Appendix C5 It is assumed the Building is located not less than 30m from the
nearest source of hazard giving rise to about 15 tonnes of flammable vapour.
This is a conservative approach as the load cases do not allow for variation in
loading due to inventory product type, quantity or the actual distance of the building
from the plant.
2.2.2 Equivalent Static
This is essentially a prescriptive method in which dynamic loads are expressed as

equivalent static load. The equivalent static load is usually found by designing a
building using a dynamic design method (e.g. the CIA method described in 6.2
below) and back calculating the equivalent static loads the members will resist. This
equivalent static load is then used to produce a blast design specification. An
equivalent static loading method also requires further guidance on reinforcement
detailing and member sizes, to ensure ductile response under blast loading.
This method can be applied to situations where buildings of similar layout are being
designed for similar process plants. This approach has been used successfully by BP
Chemicals who have produced standard building design specifications for different
hazard situations.
The disadvantages of this method are:-
(a) Unless the original and proposed buildings are identical in structural
layout the method can not take into account the dynamic nature of the
building structure.
(b) The type of plant and location of the building within the plant must be
similar in both original and proposed plants.
If there is any variation in the above factors it is unlikely the designers will be able
to compensate without resort to further BHA studies and dynamic design methods.
In addition, design teams using this approach may not be aware of the fundamental
basis of the method and apply it inadvertently to situations where it is not applicable.
2.2.3 Other Layout Guidelines
RP 4-6
Location of a building a set distance (i.e. 30 m from the plant) or any other plant
layout requirements do not necessarily ensure the building or its occupants are
protected from blast risks. These requirements do not address the blast
characteristics or the probability of blast occurring.
3. BLAST RISK ASSESSMENT
Blast risk assessment studies examine the plant containing hazardous inventories and
use methods such as fault tree analysis to identify series of events which could lead to
release and/or an explosion. Each identified event will have an associated frequency
of occurrence.
The consequences of the events identified in the blast risk assessment are modelled to
obtain the overpressure versus distance relationship. This relationship may be drawn
as a set of contours on the plot plan. The contours may be either overpressure
contours plotted for a given frequency or frequency contours for a given level of
overpressure. These contours may be used to compare various options for locating a
new building.
Once the building location is established a further consequence model should be run
to determine the duration of the blast impulse. This should be similarly applied to an
existing building, the location of which is fixed.
It is recommended that blast consequence modelling is based on the multi energy

method as developed by The Netherlands Organisation for Applied research (TNO).
Two methods available for blast consequence modelling are the TNT equivalence method and the multi
energy method. Based on recent research it is considered that the multi energy method is superior to
the TNT method for modelling hydrocarbon vapour cloud explosions (The TNO model is available
within the BP CIRRUS suite of consequence models).
4. COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS (CBA)
Cost benefit analysis may be used to evaluate different location options (with the
appropriate degree of blast protection) for a new building and to evaluate proposed
upgrading projects for existing buildings.
It should be noted that individual national Health Safety and Environment (HSE)
authorities or BP businesses may have prescribed requirements/procedures for the
design of buildings or criteria for the risk to personnel. These requirements shall be
taken into account, and may override the results of the CBA. For guidance see BP
Corporate HSE Team Guidelines.
The following provides guidance on how the costs and benefits of various options
may be evaluated.
RP 4-6
4.1 Options For Blast Protections
The options to be considered in the CBA may fall into the following
general categories;
(a) Do not consider blast loading.
(b) Conventional building with minor modifications.
(c) Structure designed to resist design blast load or strengthened (if

existing).
(d) Relocate building and repeat blast risk assessment/CBA.
(e) Reduce building occupancy/function and repeat CBA.
4.2 Costs
The incremental cost (IC) beyond a base case associated with

protecting a building against blast load should be determined for each
option considered. It may consist of a combination of the following
items:-
(a) New building
- structure designed to resist blast

- HVAC system protected against blast
(b) Existing building
- strengthened/modified to resist blast

- HVAC system modifications
(c) Building relocated to lower blast risk area
- relocation costs for occupants/equipment
(d) Plant modification to reduce blast risk.
Typical structural schemes associated with varying levels of design blast load are
given in Figure 3. It is assumed blast loading duration is of the order of 50 - 100
milliseconds (which is typical for a hydrocarbon vapour cloud explosion). Note that
for new buildings the strengthening will be designed-in whereas existing buildings
may need to be modified.
4.3 Benefits (Loss Reduction)
The benefits required from a building subjected to blast loading are

protection of occupants and equipment.
RP 4-6
The incremental benefit (IB) beyond a base case associated with
protecting a building can be expressed in monetary terms, by valuing
the reduced risk of losses which would be incurred if the building
collapsed.
Such losses may comprise of the following elements:-
(a) Personnel
(b) Business interruption
(c) Property damage
(d) Loss of reputation
(e) Loss of Licence to operate
All losses expressed in monetary units/year.
Guidance on the value of these elements should be sought from the

relevant BP businesses.
The incremental benefit of providing a new building or strengthening

an existing building to resist the blast can be expressed as:-
B = LxYxF
L = Loss per year as calculated above (e.g. a+b+c+d+e)

Y = Design life of building/plant
F = Reduction of frequency of building collapse
Note: The blast risk assessment for a given plant will yield a range of frequencies (F)
and associated levels of overpressure Y is a constant. The values of loss for items
(a),(b) and (c) (within L) should be estimated based on an overpressure v's
damage/personnel vulnerability relationship for the building.
4.4 Cost Benefit Ratio
The incremental benefit to cost ratio (IB:IC) i.e. the marginal risk
reduction per unit expenditure, for each building option should be
successively evaluated for increasing protection levels. The optimum
option, yielding the design case, will be that with the minimum benefit
to cost ratio exceeding 1.0. Beyond this point the incremental costs of
protection start to exceed the incremental benefits of risk reduction.
New buildings shall be designed to resist the resulting loading. In the

case of existing buildings the structure shall be checked and if
necessary strengthened or modified, to implement the optimum option.
Note that the output from this calculation should be used for guidance only. There
may other local practices, standards, regulations, or political requirements which
demand further protection against blast.
RP 4-6
5. LOAD COMBINATIONS
When designing a structure it is usual to consider a number of load cases e.g. the load
cases specified in BS 8110. All buildings must be capable of resisting normal load
combinations before blast loading is considered.
Blast loading is applied as a load case and in the absence of any national guidelines
should be applied as 1.0 Dead Load + 1.0 Live Load + 1.0 Blast Load when using
ultimate limit design such as BS 8110 or BS 5950.
It should be noted that the blast load case will not necessarily govern the design of all or any part of
the structure, as other load combinations (e.g. seismic) may be more severe.
6. ANALYSIS AND DESIGN OF STRUCTURES
The analysis/design procedure shall demonstrate that the building will protect its
occupants and equipment to the optimum level of safety and performance derived
above. As a minimum a building shall be capable of protecting its occupants and
equipment through one occurrence of the design basis event (although it may be
necessary to rebuild the structure).
If a greater level of protection/performance is required for factors other than those

considered in the CBA (e.g. for a building controlling many plants) this must be
specified at the outset of the design procedure.
The analysis/design procedure shall optimise the use of materials and sizing of
structural members by accurately modelling the response to dynamic loading. The
choice of analysis/design methods depends on such factors as materials of
construction, whether the building is existing or proposed and the structural layout.
Three methods are described in 6.1,6.2 and 6.3 below. The choice of methods shall
be made by a structural engineer experienced in all aspects of blast resisting design.
6.1 Dynamic Analysis
Dynamic analysis packages capable of two dimensional non linear

structural analysis are currently available at relatively low cost. These
are used to model the behaviour of building structures accurately.
This approach evaluates the detailed displacement time history for a specified
loading function and by so doing determines the actual ductility of the
structure/structural element. This is achieved by solving the equations of motion for
the structural system and comparing actual ductility with the ductility ratio assumed
in design. The process is iterative and section properties are optimised by
convergence of actual and design values of ductility.
It is recommended this approach is adopted as it is the most satisfactory way to

model structural behaviour, in particular when analysing an existing building. For
a new building the costs of dynamic analysis may not be justified for standard
structural elements, however, for long spans or other unusual features optimisation
using dynamic analysis may produce useful benefits.
RP 4-6
6.2 CIA Method
This method is given in Appendix 1.7 of CIA document 'Process Plant

Hazard and Control Building Design' and is included in Appendix C.
Note that the input loadings to the equations do not need to be the CIA prescribed
loadings but may be the loadings calculated from BHA/CBA outlined in section 2.
The main advantages of this method is that it is relatively easy to use and is well
established within the industry. It takes into account the dynamic nature of the
loading and material.
The disadvantages of the method are that it only considers individual elements and
does not consider the structure as a whole. In addition this method only satisfies the
upper bound loading conditions and cannot give optimisation of design in terms of
structural ductility.
6.3 Equivalent Static Method
This type of approach considers the blast load applied to the building
as a static imposed load. The structure is designed to meet the criteria
of national codes under the blast load condition.
This approach is simple to use as the designer does not need any experience in blast
resistant design. However, as explained in 2.2.2 it is only suitable in well defined
situations and has a number of major weaknesses.
6.4 Existing Buildings
When considering an existing building exposed to blast loading a

structural assessment/analysis should be carried out, as described in
Appendix C, to determine its response to the blast loading. Options
for strengthening any structural elements shown to be incapable of
resisting the blast loading should be developed and evaluated. These
will vary considerably depending on the type of building structure and
the blast loading it is exposed to. In general a conventional framed
building is unlikely to have satisfactory performance under blast
loadings in excess of 15 kN/m2 (unless it was specifically designed to
resist blast loading).
If the structure is capable of resisting the overpressure the behaviour of

non structural elements such as doors, HVAC equipment, windows
etc. should be evaluated as described in C11.
7. CONSIDERATIONS FOR TOXIC AND FIRE RISKS
7.1 Toxic Risk
Where protection against the ingress of toxic and/or flammable vapours is required,
additional requirements of design, location and use of buildings may be necessary.
RP 4-6
Such protection may include special provisions for heating, ventilating and air
conditioning, including instrumentation and control systems. Any additional
requirements for protection against toxic and/or flammable vapour materials must
not be allowed to weaken the provision for protection against blast.
Buildings designed to protect against toxic vapours post blast shall be designed to
ensure that seals in doors and windows maintain sufficiently accurate alignment to
ensure the vapour barrier is maintained.
Consideration should be given to protection of the building against the ingress of

toxic/flammable liquids. Any additional requirements for protection against liquids
shall not compromise the provisions for protection against the hazards of flammable
vapours.
7.2 Fire Risk
It is assumed buildings will have conventional appropriate fire protection; this

aspect is, therefore, not considered further in this guide. However if there is a
significant risk of flame impingement for long periods consideration should be given
to protection of the building.
RP 4-6
(3) (4.2) (4.3)
BLAST RISK
ASSESSMENT RESULTS VALUE OF RISK REDUCTION
(4.2)
(COMPARED TO BASE CASE)
INCREMENTAL COSTS (IC)
(a) BLAST PRESSURE
(b) DURATION (a) OCCUPANTS
(c) FREQUENCY (a) BUILDING STRUCTURE (b) EQUIPMENT
(b) LOCATION COSTS (c) LOSS OF PRODUCTION
(d) BUILDING LOCATION (c) SPECIAL FEATURES
(DOORS, HVAC PROTECTION)
COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS PROCEDURE
PROCEDURE FOR THE DESIGN OF BUILDINGS
PLANT
LIFE IN
YEARS
LOAD PARAMETERS INCREMENTAL COSTS (IC) INCREMENTAL (4.4)

BENEFITS (IB)
IB-IC OUTCOME
FIGURE 1
* DESIGN VALUE OF RISK

DURATION FREQUENCY DESIGN FEATURES INCREMENTAL RATIO
PEAK REDUCTION
RP 4-6
(in sec) EVENTS/YEAR OR COST

INCIDENT X PLANT LIFE
R CUMULATIVE MODIFICATIONS X FREQUENCY
OVER
E PRESSURE
L D
O NONE BASE BASE NO BLAST LOAD O
<1kN/m2 CASE 0 CASE 0 W
C
A REPLACE GLASS N
T 1-3kN/m2 IN WINDOWS O G
E P MINOR R
FRAMED BUILDING
T MODIFICATIONS A
DESIGN TO
3-10 kN/m2 I D
NATIONAL CODES
M E
DECREASING
DESIGN STRUCTURE U STRENGTHEN

OR STRENGTHEN M EXISTING BUILDING
>10 kN/m2
TO RESIST OR DESIGN NEW
BLAST BUILDING TO
LOAD RESIST OPTIMISED
BLAST LOAD
RE-BUILD OR
RE-LOCATE RE-LOCATE
OR DOWNGRADE OR DOWNGRADE
PAGE 9
Conversion factor: 100 kN/m2 = 1 bar

* Overpressure values for new building. For existing buildings see Figure 3
(2.1)
DESIGN PROCEDURE FOR BUILDINGS SUBJECT TO BLAST LOADING BLAST LOAD

CALCULATED DESIGN
BLAST LOAD AND (6)
MAXIMUM CREDIBLE (5)
BLAST LOAD FROM
ANALYSIS DESIGN
BLAST HAZARD LOAD COMBINATION
ASSESSMENT AND
METHOD IN APPENDIX C
COST BENEFIT DL + LL +
OR
ANALYSIS CALCULATED DYNAMIC
DYNAMIC ANALYSIS
OR
PRESCRIBED OR DL + LL + METHOD IN APPENDIX C

DYNAMIC PRESCRIBED DYNAMIC OR
LOAD FROM C5 DYNAMIC ANALYSIS
DL + LL+ OR
FIGURE 2
OR STATIC METHODS
EQUIVALENT STATIC EQUIVALENT STATIC
RP 4-6
LOAD
NO BLAST LOAD
(2)
DEAD LOAD (DL)
LIVE LOAD (LL)
(2)
ENVIRONMENTAL
LOADS
WIND NORMAL LOAD DESIGN TO

SNOW COMBINATIONS NATIONAL CODES
PAGE 10
SEISMIC etc
END
PEAK INCIDENT OVERPRESSURE WALLS ROOF STRUCTURE WINDOWS NOTES
EXISTING NEW DOORS HVAC

TYPICAL STRUCTURAL SCHEMES FOR DESIGN BLAST LOADS <1kN/m2 <1kN/m2 No Restrictions No Restrictions No Restrictions No Restrictions -
1 - 3 kN/m 2 1 - 3 kN/m2 No Restrictions No Restrictions No Restrictions -
All glazing. to be safe in blast ie.
toughened glass or
polycarbonate
3 - 15 kN/m2 3 - 10 kN/m2 Independently Framed structure in New buildings designed to

Damage to walls shall
not cause roof supported by frame. reinforced concrete or All glazing to be safe in blast ie. national codes are usually
collapse. structural steelwork. toughened glass or adequate for this level of
Joints shall be polycarbonate. Catch bars overpressure.
designed to ensure should be considered. Existing buildings, in particular
ductile behaviour. precast concrete buildings shall be

checked for continuity in joints.
Shall be designed to Independently Framed structure in No windows. Building designed to resist this
> 15kN/m2 10 - 30 kN/m 2
resist design supported by frame. reinforced concrete or Doors to be steel (Heavy range of overpressures are
FIGURE 3
reflected Shall be designed to structural steelwork. industrial type) Consideration generally steel framed with
overpressure. resist design Joints shall be should be given to protecting precast concrete or steel wall
RP 4-6
overpressure. designed to ensure HVAC system with blast panels and in-situ concrete roof
ductile behaviour. dampers. No roof mounted slab.
Shall be designed to plant. Existing buildings shall be
Difficult to resist design checked and strengthened if
strengthen overpressure. feasible.
conventional
existing buildings.
Consider providing
new building
Shall be designed to Independently In general structure No windows. Buildings designed to resist this
> 30kN/m2
resist design supported by frame. will be in-situ concrete Blast dampers shall be provided level of overpressure are costly.
reflected Shall be designed to shear wall type. to all HVAC inlet/outlet ducts. Relocation should be considered.
overpressure. resist design Doors shall be designed to resist
overpressure. reflected blast overpressure.
* Note - Reflected overpressure shall be calculated from references given in Appendix C or from the formula Pr = 2Po ( 7 Pa + 4 Po
) where:
7 Pa + Po
Po = peak incident overpressure
PAGE 11
Pr = reflected overpressure
pa = atmospheric pressure
Conversion factor: 100kN/m2 = 1 bar

APPENDIX A
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
Definitions
Standardised definitions may be found in the BP Group RPSEs Introductory Volume.
Abbreviations
BS British Standard
CBA Cost Benefit Analysis
CFR Co-operative Fuel Research
CIA Chemical Industries Association (UK)
HVAC Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning
QRA Quantified Risk Assessment
RP 4-6
APPENDIX B
LIST OF REFERENCED DOCUMENTS
A reference invokes the latest published issue or amendment unless stated otherwise.
Referenced standards may be replaced by equivalent standards that are internationally or

otherwise recognised provided that it can be shown to the satisfaction of the purchaser's
professional engineer that they meet or exceed the requirements of the referenced standards.
BS 8110 Structural Use of Concrete
BS 4449 Carbon Steel Bars for the Reinforcement of Concrete
BS 5950 Structural Use of Steelwork in Buildings
BP Group Documents
BP Group RP 44-7 Plant Layout

(replaces BP CP 3)
BP Corporate HSE Team, "Guideline on the use of quantified risk assessment (QRA), and
development of risk criteria" Draft Issued October 1992.
References in Appendix C
Structural Design for Dynamic Load Norris et al, McGraw-Hill 1959.
Introductory to Structural Dynamics J.M. Biggs, McGraw-Hill 1964.
Structures to Resist the Effects of Accidental Explosions Dept. of Army Manual, TM5-1300,
1969.
Design of Structures to Resist Nuclear Weapons Effects ASCE Manual 42.

EM 1110 - 345 Design of Structures to Resist the Effects of Atomic Weapons.
- 414 Strength of Materials and Structural Elements 1957.
- 415 Principles of Dynamic Analysis and Design 1957.
- 416 Structural Elements Subjected to Dynamic Loads 1957.
- 419 Shear Wall Structures 1958.
CIA - Chemical Industries Association, An Approach to the Categorisation of Process

Plant Hazard and Control Building Design.
RP 4-6
APPENDIX C
DESIGN OF BLAST-RESISTANT BUILDINGS
C1. GENERAL
C1.1 This Appendix is based on the guidelines given in the CIA publication,
An Approach to the Categorisation of Process Plant Hazard and
Control Building Design, Appendix I.
This procedure is limited to rectangular box-shaped single-storey

buildings.
It is recommended that a full blast risk assessment/CBA study is carried out to find
the design load. In the absence of this study the loads given in C5.2 may be used
although they are likely to be conservative.
Note: If a blast risk assessment study exists for a similar plant the loadings from this study
may be used provided the influence of all surrounding process units are considered.
C2. DEFINITION
Blast-resistant buildings are defined as buildings or other structures capable of

withstanding the effects of an accidental plant explosion. In resisting such an
explosion, the structure may suffer damage, provided that this does not result in
collapse, danger to personnel or render control equipment inoperable.
C3. EXCLUDED MATERIALS
No materials which form part of the structure shall display non-ductile behaviour.
This includes unreinforced concrete masonry and brickwork.
The use of prestressed concrete is not covered in this procedure.
C4. SPECIFICATIONS
C4.1 Dynamic Design Methods
* The design procedures contained in the references in Appendix B shall

be applied unless otherwise approved by BP.
RP 4-6
*C5. LOADS
C5.1 Normal Building Loads
Loading for normal conditions shall be calculated in accordance with

the applicable national/local building codes.
C5.2 Positive Blast Pressures and Durations
Note conversion factor : 100 kN/m2 = 1000 mbars. All loads are from Chemical
Industries Association (CIA) document; Process Plant Hazard and Control Building
Design, An Approach to Categorisation.
C5.2.1 In the absence of a full blast risk assessment /CBA study the following
design load cases may be used although they are likely to be
conservative.
The structure shall be designed to withstand both of the specified

incident blast loadings as appropriate as given in C5.2.2 and C5.2.3
and checked for adequate resistance to that given in C5.2.4. These
load cases are summarised in Table C.1 and further details are given
below.
C5.2.2 A peak incident overpressure (Po) of 70 kN/m2 (1462 lb/ft2) with a

positive blast duration (to) of 20 milliseconds (0.02 s); the blast-
induced pressure decreasing linearly from the maximum value at t = 0
to zero at t = to. See Table C.1 for details of loading on structural
elements.
Two-way slabs with the short spans greater than 3 m (9.8 ft) may be
designed for the average uniform loading specified for frames as
shown in Table C.2. Where structural framing (portal, shear wall, etc.)
is provided to resist lateral and vertical blast loads, it shall be designed
as plane frames for the effects of the blast pressure on any one wall in
accordance with the above mentioned specifications for walls and
together with an average uniform roof loading as given in Table C.2.
For spans between those listed, pressures and durations may be

interpolated linearly.
If BP considers that, when the quantity and point of emission of the

flammable material is estimated, the building would be deeply
enveloped (i.e. there would be sufficient cloud depth above it for flame
propagation to reach shock conditions), the roof shall be designed to
withstand the full reflected load. In this case, Table C.2 will not apply.
C5.2.3 A peak incident overpressure (Po) of 20 kN/m2 (418 lb/ft2) with a

positive blast duration (to) of 100 milliseconds (0.1 s) the blast-
induced pressure increasing linearly from zero at t = 0 to the maximum
RP 4-6
value at t = 50 milliseconds (0.05 s) and decreasing linearly to zero at t
= to. See Table C.1 for loadings on individual structural elements.
C5.2.4 A peak incident overpressure (Po) of 100 kN/m2 (2088 lb/ft2)

(Reflected pressure of 275 kN/m2 (5743 lb/ft2) with a positive blast
duration (to) of 30 milliseconds; (0.03 s) the blast-induced pressure
decreasing linearly from the maximum value at t = 0 to zero at t = to.
See Table C.1 for loadings on individual structural elements.
C5.3 Negative Blast Loadings
The suction phase of the blast may be ignored, provided that structural
rebound is considered.
C6. DESIGN LOADING COMBINATIONS
Design Code Load Combinations
Blast load + Dead load + Imposed load
Walls shall be designed to resist reflected blast pressure

Imposed load shall not be considered where it provides a beneficial
effect.
For reinforced concrete the partial safety factor for load (γf) shall be
1.00.
C7. DESIGN CRITERIA AND CALCULATION METHOD
C7.1 Normal Loading Conditions
Normal loading design (C6 above) shall comply with applicable

National Standards for structural steelwork and for reinforced concrete
using the appropriate load factors, stresses and other criteria.
C7.2 Blast Loading Conditions
C7.2.1 The design of a structural element for blast effect shall be by a method
which takes into account its dynamic responses such as are provided in
references in Appendix B.
Each structural element shall be analysed for the applicable dynamic

loadings. These shall be specified blast loads to which it may be
directly exposed or both the dynamic reactions from the members
which it supports.
The analysis may be most simply achieved by the method given in

C7.2.2 below. It should be noted that the formula in C7.2.2 is for
discrete members only. Frames must be checked for their dynamic
response with damping provided by plastic hinges.
RP 4-6
C7.2.2 The required dynamic resistance (R) for a structural element can be
considered as:-
P
R =
η
τ 2δ -1 [2δ - 1] t 0
where η = +
π to 2δ [t 0 + 0.77τ ]
Xm
d =
Xy
t0 = duration of blast load

p = peak value of applied blast load
τ = fundamental period of vibration of
structural element
Xm = maximum allowable dynamic

displacement
Xy = effective yield displacement (based on

equivalent elastic-plastic load-
deformation relationship).
N.B. Where members, which are directly loaded by a blast impulse

(called primary members), are supported by secondary
structural elements, the loads/impulses to be resisted by the
secondary members should be determined from the dynamic
characteristics of the primary members.
C7.2.3 Displacements under the blast loading conditions defined in C5.2.2

and C5.2.3 and design blast loads from a QRA/CBA study shall be
limited as follows.
RP 4-6
(a) structural steel loaded principally in bending:-
Xm ≤ 10Xy
(b) reinforced concrete loading principally in bending:-
Xm ≤ 5Xy
(c) structural steel or reinforced concrete loaded principally in

compression:-
Xm ≤ Xy
(d) reinforced concrete panel subjected to simultaneous bending

and shear wall or deep beam action:-
Xm ≤ 1.5 Xy
(e) where a steel or reinforced concrete beam forms part of a rigid

beam, a check shall be made of column stability if plastic
deformation of the beam is envisaged.
In all the above cases Xy is the effective displacement at which plastic

deformation begins for the equivalent bi-linear (elastic-plastic)
resistance deflection (R-x) curve which has the same energy absorbing
capacity as the actual R-x curve for a structural member. (See Figure
C1).
For slender columns this will be the displacement at which buckling

begins.
C7.2.4 Under the blast loading condition defined in C5.2.4 or the design blast
load from blast risk assessment/CBA study, reinforced concrete and
steel member rotations shall not exceed 2 degrees
C7.2.5 The required rebound resistance for a structural element shall be taken
as not less than 75% of the positive resistance of the element.
C7.2.6 It should be noted that the dynamic shear reaction at the end of flexural
members cannot be calculated using the equation in C7.2.2 Refer to
Biggs. in Appendix B for the appropriate design methods.
C7.2.7 For deflection calculation purposes, the moment of inertia of a section

shall be taken as the average of the inertia of the gross concrete section
and the inertia of the cracked section.
RP 4-6
C7.2.8 The absolute displacements shall be calculated to ensure that
secondary failure does not occur (e.g. internal equipment overturning
due to wall displacement).
C7.2.9 The integrity of joints under full displacement shall be checked. It

should be noted that frames subjected to blast loads and dead loads can
have one joint which remains elastic.
C8. DYNAMIC DESIGN CAPACITY
The strength of a structural element to resist dynamic load shall be determined

according to the plastic design method for structural steel and the ultimate strength
method for reinforced concrete and steel provided by BS 8110 and BS 5950
respectively, except that:-
(a) For structural steel:-
For steelwork designed to BS 5950 the partial safety factor for strength
δm shall be taken as 1.0.
(b) For reinforced concrete:-
Reinforcing steel - strength for dynamic considerations should be taken

as 120% of the values in BS 8110. The partial safety factor for
strength (δm) shall be taken as 1.0.
(c) For concrete - the strength for dynamic considerations shall be taken as
the following percentages of the values in BS 8110:-
compression 120%
shear expressed as diagonal tension 100%
bond 100%
In the case of shear wall and deep beam design the direct shear stress at
the support shall not exceed 10% of the design compression strength
for the concrete.
The partial safety factor for strength (δm) shall be taken as 1.30.
C8.1 Calculations
Three sets of calculations will be finally required to show that both

conditions of loading (C6) are met by the final design.
RP 4-6
C9. ADDITIONAL STRUCTURAL REQUIREMENTS
C9.1 Reinforced Concrete
Reinforced concrete structures shall satisfy the following additional

requirements:-
Reinforced concrete members principally resisting bending shall be

reinforced such that the area of the main tension reinforcement
expressed as a percentage of the gross cross-sectional area is not less
than 0.25%.
The member should be equally reinforced on both the internal and

external face.
Concrete shall be Grade 30 or stronger or comply with National codes;

whichever is the more onerous.
C9.2 Reinforcing Bars
Reinforcing bars shall be to BS 4449 - Specification for Hot Rolled

Steel Bars for the Reinforcement of Concrete. Main reinforcement
shall be of the deformed type.
Reinforcing bars shall be as long as practicable to reduce numbers of

splices. Splices shall be staggered wherever possible and located away
from highly stressed areas. Lap lengths shall not be less than 70 x bar
diameter.
C9.3 Joints
Construction joints shall be minimised and surfaces properly prepared.

In the case of shear walls, additional care shall be taken to form keys
or epoxy resin bonding agents may be used in horizontal joints.
Contraction/expansion joints shall be avoided if possible.
C10. FOUNDATIONS
C10.1 Foundation Design
C10.1.1 Normal Loads
Foundations shall be adequate to support the normal loadings (C.6) at

normal safe ground pressures.
C10.1.2 Dynamic Loads
The building displacement under dynamic loading shall be calculated.

An acceptability criterion shall be developed depending on the
sensitivity of the building to displacement.
RP 4-6
If piles are required to resist lateral movements of the structure under
the blast loading, batter piles may be used. In determining pile
requirements, passive resistance developed on the foundation walls
and footing shall be taken into account.
C11. ADDITIONAL DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
The following points should be taken into account when

designing/specifying the non structural building features. The
objective is to ensure that these features will perform in a safe manner
during a blast.
The building designer shall demonstrate that each of these features can
either resist the blast without damage or fail in such a way that they do
not increase the risk to personnel or equipment within or outside the
building.
C11.1 Location
* The building location will be specified, or shall be subject to approval

by BP, based on reference to BP Group RP 44-7 Plant Layout.
C11.2 Orientation
Where appropriate, the orientation of the building should be such that

the smallest area is presented to the source of hazard as defined.
C11.3 External Doors
Doors in external blast-resistant walls shall be kept to a minimum,

consistent with escape requirements. They shall open outwards and
butt, on all four edges, against steel frames fixed to the concrete. The
design and detailing of the door and the frame shall take account of
dynamic rebound.
External doors shall be either:
(a) designed dynamically within the plastic range with a limited

deflection of Xm not exceeding 20Xy
or
(b) designed to some lower loading in conjunction with the blast

attenuators.
The doors shall be so designed as to facilitate easy operation under

normal conditions, and in the design and selection of closing and
locking mechanisms shall ensure this. Power assistance may be
employed for the opening and closing of blast-resistant external doors.
RP 4-6
C11.4 Other Openings
Any openings, e.g. for ventilating systems, shall be designed to prevent

entry of debris into personnel or equipment areas, by location,
provision of attenuators or other means.
Additionally, the entry of blast overpressure surges through openings

may be limited by means of blast valves or by attenuation through
plenums. The need for blast valves should be determined based on the
blast overpressure and the nature of the building. In general, blast
valves should be fitted to buildings which are designed to resist
overpressures of 30 kN/m2 or greater. The number and size of such
openings shall be kept to a minimum.
It should be noted that there are a variety of blast valves available for different
duties (e.g. wall or roof entry, time of closure and leakage rate). A performance and
testing specification should be developed to ensure the appropriate type of valve is
selected.
C11.5 Viewing Facilities
* Windows shall not normally be provided without the approval of BP.
The options for window glazing and framing systems for buildings
subjected to blast fall into two categories;
(i) Window designed to resist the blast with no damage.
(ii) Window designed to fail in a safe manner (e.g. use of material

such as polycarbonate/toughened glass or provision of
secondary containment such as catch bars etc.).
Any proposal to include windows in a building subjected to blast shall

demonstrate that the incremental risk due to provision of windows is
acceptable.
It should be noted that option (ii) above is unlikely to be acceptable for buildings
within the range of a flammable gas cloud due to the risk of a fireball entering the
building after the glazing has failed.
C11.6 Roof Plant
* Equipment shall not normally be located on or over the main roof of

the building. If equipment is sited on the roof its performance under
blast loading shall be considered in the structural analysis to ensure it
does not jeopardise the integrity of the building structure. In addition
the holding down arrangement and the equipment itself shall be
checked to ensure it is robust under blast loading and will not cause a
missile hazard to personnel.
RP 4-6
C11.7 Staffing Levels
* The number of personnel to be located in a blast-resistant control room

shall be kept to a minimum consistent with safe operation of the plant.
C11.8 Internal Finishes
Internal finishes, particularly to the interior face of external walls, shall

be selected and installed to minimise injury to personnel and damage
to equipment in the building, in the event of an external explosion.
C11.9 Wall/Ceiling - Mounted Equipment
No equipment should be mounted on, or placed against, the interior

face of external walls or suspended from the ceiling/roof.
Distortion/movement of the external walls/roof could cause the
equipment to break free from its mountings and injure
occupants/damage equipment.
C11.10 Internal Partitions
Internal partitions shall be designed and installed to allow for possible

movement of the main structure during an explosion. They shall be
constructed from materials that, in the event of their failure, would
minimise, as far as possible, injury to personnel and damage to
equipment.
C11.11 External Features
External features such as canopies (which could break free in a blast)

shall not be incorporated in a building exposed to blast hazard.
Metal cladding panels if used shall be supported by the building frame

with a fixing system capable of resisting the design blast.
C11.12 Services Connections
Connections of building services shall be designed flexibly to avoid

damage during displacement under the design blast load.
RP 4-6
Structural Element Load Case Load Case Load Case
5.2.2 5.2.3 5.2.4
Walls Pr = 175 kN/m2 Pr = 30 kN/m2 Pr = 275 kN/m2
(1264 lb/ft2) (627 lb/ft2) (5743 lb/ft2)
to = 20 msec. to = 100 msec. to = 30 msec.
Roof Slabs Po = 70 kN/m2 Po = 20 kN/m2 Po = 100 kN/m2
(3655 lb/ft2) (418 lb/ft2) (2088 lb/ft2)
Side Walls Horizontal shear Horizontal shear Horizontal shear
Designed to reaction in reaction in addition reaction in addition
Resist Horizontal Shear addition to; to; to;
Po = 70 kN/m2 Po = 20 kN/m2 Po = 100 kN/m2
(3655 lb/ft2) (418 lb/ft2) (2088 lb/ft2)
TABLE C.1
Po = Peak Incident Overpressure (kN/m2)

Pr = Peak reflected Overpressure (kN/m2)
to = Positive blast phase duration (millisecond)
Span of Frame Peak Pressure Duration

(m) (kN/m2) (milliseconds)
3 (9.8 ft) or less 70 (1462 lb/ft2) 20 (0.02 s)
5 (16.4 ft) 40 (835 lb/ft2) 35 (0.035 s)
10 (32.8 ft) 30 (627 lb/ft2) 50 (0.05 s)
15 (49.2 ft) 25 (522 lb/ft2) 60 (0.06 s)
20 (65.6 ft) or greater 20 (418 lb/ft2) 70 (0.07 s)
TABLE C.2
RP 4-6
FIGURE C1
RP 4-6

RP 4-6 Procedure For The Design of Buildings Subject To Blast Loading

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RP 4-6 Procedure For The Design of Buildings Subject To Blast Loading

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RP 4-6

PROCEDURE FOR THE DESIGN OF

Copyright © The British Petroleum Company p.l.c.

Issue Date November 1993

SCOPE AND PURPOSE

Its purpose is:-

(a) To provide advice on the methods available to determine blast loading.

(d) To give guidance on upgrading of existing buildings.

CUSTODIAN (See Quarterly Status List for Contact)

3. BLAST RISK ASSESSMENT............................................................................................3

4. COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS (CBA) ................................................................................3

5. LOAD COMBINATIONS ..................................................................................................6

6. ANALYSIS AND DESIGN OF STRUCTURES...............................................................6

7. CONSIDERATIONS FOR TOXIC AND FIRE RISKS .....................................................7

C3. EXCLUDED MATERIALS...........................................................................................14

C4. SPECIFICATIONS ........................................................................................................14

*C5. LOADS ..........................................................................................................................15

C6. DESIGN LOADING COMBINATIONS......................................................................16

C7. DESIGN CRITERIA AND CALCULATION METHOD ..........................................16

C8. DYNAMIC DESIGN CAPACITY ................................................................................19

C9. ADDITIONAL STRUCTURAL REQUIREMENTS..................................................20

C11. ADDITIONAL DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS ........................................................21

Introduction to BP Group Recommended Practices and Specifications for Engineering

Value of this Recommended Practice

Text in italics is Commentary. Commentary provides background information which

Principal Changes from Previous Edition

This Recommended Practice replaces Appendix B of BP Engineering CP 19. It gives

Feedback and Further Information

- Determine the blast risk.

For structural design the blast pressure impulse must be considered.

It is recommended these values are obtained using the blast risk

2.2 Traditional Methods

2.2.1 CIA Prescribed Dynamic

2.2.2 Equivalent Static

This is essentially a prescriptive method in which dynamic loads are expressed as

The disadvantages of this method are:-

2.2.3 Other Layout Guidelines

3. BLAST RISK ASSESSMENT

It is recommended that blast consequence modelling is based on the multi energy

4. COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS (CBA)

(a) Do not consider blast loading.

(b) Conventional building with minor modifications.

(c) Structure designed to resist design blast load or strengthened (if

(d) Relocate building and repeat blast risk assessment/CBA.

(e) Reduce building occupancy/function and repeat CBA.

The incremental cost (IC) beyond a base case associated with

(a) New building

- structure designed to resist blast

(b) Existing building

- strengthened/modified to resist blast

(c) Building relocated to lower blast risk area

- relocation costs for occupants/equipment

(d) Plant modification to reduce blast risk.

4.3 Benefits (Loss Reduction)

The benefits required from a building subjected to blast loading are

Such losses may comprise of the following elements:-

All losses expressed in monetary units/year.

Guidance on the value of these elements should be sought from the

The incremental benefit of providing a new building or strengthening

L = Loss per year as calculated above (e.g. a+b+c+d+e)

4.4 Cost Benefit Ratio

New buildings shall be designed to resist the resulting loading. In the

6. ANALYSIS AND DESIGN OF STRUCTURES