Reliability of RC members submitted to gas explosions

The present contribution addresses the reliability level implicitly required by the current design codes for the principle load-bearing elements (beams and columns) in ordinary RC structures exposed to accidental situations associated with gas explosions. A representative set of members is defined varying the parameters with the greatest effect on design within reasonable ranges. Following the establishment of the significant hazard scenarios, limit state functions for the relevant member failure modes are defined taking account of dynamic effects induced by high loading rates. Subsequent to a strict member design (Ed = Rd) according to a consistent set of codes, structural failure probabilities are derived and analyzed in the light of target ceilings demanded by current codes. The findings may be used to deduce structure-related risks and acceptance criteria for their assessment. Such criteria would facilitate rational decisions on both, the need and the appropriate choice of risk-reduction measures to counteract the effects of gas explosions in buildings.