  The response of masonry structures to explosions can be hardly investigated
relying only on numerical and analytical tools. Experimental tests are of
paramount importance for improving the current comprehension and validate
existing models. However, experiments involving blast scenarios are, at
present, partial and limited in number, compared to tests under different
dynamic conditions, such as earthquakes. The reason lies on the fact that
full-scale blast experiments present many difficulties, mainly due to the
nature of the loading action. Experiments in reduced-scale offer instead
greater flexibility. Nevertheless, appropriate scaling laws for the response of
masonry structures under blast excitations are needed before performing such
tests. We propose here new scaling laws for the dynamic, rigid-body response
and failure modes of masonry structures under blast loads. This work takes its
roots from previous studies, where closed-form solutions for the rocking
response of slender blocks due to explosions have been derived and validated
against numerical and experimental tests. The proposed scaling laws are here
validated with detailed numerical simulations accounting for combined rocking,
up-lifting, and sliding mechanisms of monolithic structures. Then, the
application to multi-drum stone columns is considered. In particular, we show
that, whilst the presence of complex behaviors, such as wobbling and impacts,
similarity is assured. The developments demonstrate their applicability in the
design of reduced-scale experiments of masonry structures.
