A glazing fac ̧ade subjected to blast loads has a structural behaviour that strongly differs fromthe typical response of a glazing system
subjected to ordinary loads. Consequently, sophisticatedmodelling techniques are required to identify correctly its criticalities. The
paper investigates the behaviour of a cable-supported fac ̧ade subjected to high-level blast loading. Nonlinear dynamic analyses
are performed in ABAQUS/Explicit using a sophisticated FE-model (M01), calibrated to dynamic experimental and numerical
results. The structural effects of the total design blast impulse, as well as only its positive phase, are analyzed. At the same time,
the possible cracking of glass panels is taken into account, since this phenomenon could modify the response of the entire fac ̧ade.
Finally, deep investigations are dedicated to the bearing cables, since subjecting them to elevated axial forces and their collapse
could compromise the integrity of the cladding wall. Based on results of previous studies, frictional devices differently applied at
their ends are presented to improve the response of the fac ̧ade under the impact of a high-level explosion. Structural effects of
various solutions are highlighted through dynamic simulations. Single vertical devices, if appropriately calibrated, allow reducing
significantly the axial forces in cables, and lightly the tensile stresses in glass panes.
