The choice of an optimum location for a new building in petroleum refining or chemical processing plant is subject to a host of considerations. One important consideration is the required blast resistance of the building. Placing the building closer to potential explosion sources will require a more robust building design. The choice between location and blast resistance centers on defining an affordable structure that maximizes occupant safety.

This paper will review the issues associated with this decision process and the alternative methods of assessing the blast load and structural response issues for siting an example building. The assessment involves systematically defining potential blast loads, identifying locations where various general building construction types would be capable of withstanding the blast loads, assessing the impact of shielding from adjacent structures for specific locations, and verifying that the final building design and construction details are adequate.