Abstract
Work is presented on an incremental plasticity based analytical model to predict the peak displacement of FRP retrofitted RC columns subjected to blast loads. Tests have shown that columns retrofitted with transverse FRP display much higher levels of ductility and deform flexurally rather than failing in shear. This assumption is employed in the current model. In the proposed model the peak deflection is reached when the strain energy in the plastic hinges equals the supplied kinetic energy from the blast. Through the incremental approach the strain rates can be accurately and easily determined. The model is intended to assess the response of columns subjected to high energy blasts where large deflections would be expected and shows encouraging results when compared with experimental data. It also shows improved results compared with the more commonly used SDOF method.