International Journal of Urban Management and Energy Sustainability

International Journal of Urban Management and Energy Sustainability

Explanation of Effective Indicators on the Performance of Non-Structural Building Components Against Blast Waves with Emphasis on the Behavior of Glass and Window Frames

Document Type : Original Article

Author
Mehdi Moharrami Sham Asbi
B.Sc., Department of Civil Engineering, Islamic Azad University, South Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran
10.22034/ijumes.2025.2072367.1337
Abstract
Over the past twenty years, threats to buildings from explosions have significantly increased. Non-structural components, particularly glass and window-frames, are especially vulnerable to blast loads, yet there is limited agreement on which factors most strongly affect their performance under such extreme conditions. This study seeks to systematically identify and rank the key factors influencing the blast performance of non-structural glazing systems using a multi-round fuzzy Delphi method. The research is analytical with an applied aim and also has a developmental aspect in the context of qualitative modeling. Data were collected through documentary and library sources, complemented by questionnaires and interviews with 15 experts and specialists within a defined statistical population. Core concepts—including non-structural building performance, façade systems, building frames, non-structural connections, and the impact of explosions on buildings-were initially analyzed through content analysis. Based on inductive reasoning and literature review, a preliminary framework of factors was developed. The fuzzy Delphi method was then applied over multiple rounds in a participatory decision-making process to extract, weight, and evaluate these factors. Results show that, based on mean values, layer bonding quality, 4.53; glass layer thickness, 4.36; blast intensity, 4.35; adherence to recognized design standards, 4.32; temperature effect, 4.21; glazing–frame connection, 4.13; barrier presence, 4.09; blast duration, 4.08; interlayer damage mode, 4.07; and the anchorage system, 4.04, are the influential factors in defining the performance index framework of non-structural building components against blast waves. Quantitatively, these factors consistently received high mean scores in the Delphi process, highlighting their critical role in structural integrity, post-fracture behavior, and overall blast resilience of glass and window-frame systems. These findings provide a validated, expert-driven foundation for prioritizing design considerations and developing performance-focused strategies for blast-resistant glazing systems, bridging the gap between theoretical analysis and practical implementation.

Graphical Abstract

Explanation of Effective Indicators on the Performance of Non-Structural Building Components Against Blast Waves with Emphasis on the Behavior of Glass and Window Frames

Highlights

  • The study uses a multi-round fuzzy Delphi method to identify and rank factors influencing the blast performance of non-structural glazing systems.
  • Key influential factors, by mean scores, include layer bonding quality (4.53), glass layer thickness (4.36), and blast intensity (4.35).
  • Additional top factors are adherence to recognized design standards (4.32), temperature effect (4.21), glazing–frame connection (4.13), barrier presence (4.09), blast duration (4.08), interlayer damage mode (4.07), and the anchorage system (4.04).
  • The findings emphasize the critical role of these factors in structural integrity, post-fracture behavior, and overall blast resilience of glass and window-frame systems.
  • The results provide a validated expert-driven foundation for prioritizing design considerations and developing performance-focused strategies for blast-resistant glazing.

Keywords
Blast waves
explosive loading
glass and window frame behavior
non-structural building components
performance indicators for blast resistance
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  • Receive Date 21 August 2025
  • Revise Date 21 September 2025
  • Accept Date 28 October 2025