Special Lecture
Dynamic response of blast-loaded masonry walls

GUEST SPEAKER:
Dr. Idan Edri, Technion–Israel Institute of Technology
Thursday, April 3, 2025 at 4 p.m.  SF1009 – Sandford Fleming Building

ABSTRACT
Unreinforced masonry walls characterizing the envelope of many buildings may undergo severe damage when exposed to blast. Their complex blast response incorporates rocking and longitudinal inertial forces that couple the out-of-plane and in-plane response, trigger an inelastic response, and make the analysis of the wall challenging. The present research aims at enhancing the understanding of the complex wall behavior through combined experimental and theoretical methodologies. The experimental phase includes monotonic and cyclic tests on small-size masonry specimens, and controlled laboratory blast tests on full-size walls using an advanced blast simulator. The theoretical part comprises four analytical dynamic models differing in the structural resolution levels. The static and dynamic tests are used as a benchmark for examination and validation of the theoretical models. Physical features of the response are examined through a series of numerical investigations. The combined experimental and theoretical effort provides insight into the complex behavior of such walls, sets quantitative tools for its investigation, and demonstrates the complex aspects of the blast response of arching masonry walls.

ABOUT
Dr. Idan Edri is a Research Fellow in the Structural Engineering Division at the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, and concurrently serves as Head of the Blast and Impact Engineering Group at the Ministry of Defense, Israel. He earned his BSc, MSc, and PhD in Structural Engineering at the Technion.
Dr. Edri’s research focuses on the response of structures to blast and impact loads and the behavior of reinforced concrete elements under extreme conditions. With over 17 years of academic and practical experience, he combines in-depth theoretical knowledge with applied engineering expertise to address challenges in protective structural design and analysis.