Abstract: The particle algorithm in AUTODYN, Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH), was used to simulate dynamic damage of the external explosion on large buildings, which provided a visual effect. The dynamic damage details of reinforced concrete and brick masonry structure at different time were proposed by the simulation of single component. Additionally, the overpressure of shock wave, caving velocity and kinetic energy were obtained. It shows that the caving can speed up to a maximum value of 152 m/s with the kinetic energy of 18 000 J, that means a great damage to personnel and equipment in the building. Under the same condition of external explosion, the caving velocity of brick masonry structure is 25% higher than that of concrete. The overpressure and reflective overpressure on the concrete is 76% higher than that on the brick masonry. This work provides scientific and economic prediction methods for damage assessment of buildings.

Key words: numerical simulation, external explosion, shock wave, damage effect, collapse velocity, brick masonry