How do blast waves from nuclear explosions damage buildings?

Nuclear explosions damage buildings primarily through the generation of a powerful shock wave caused by the rapid expansion of intensely hot gases at high pressures. This process inflicts damage in two main ways:12

• Overpressure: This is the crushing pressure exerted at the front of the shock wave. As the wave front impacts a structure, the sudden increase in pressure can cause it to collapse. For example, an ordinary two-story, wood-frame house is likely to collapse when subjected to an overpressure of 34.5 kPa (5 psi).1
• Dynamic Pressure: This refers to the high-velocity winds that follow the initial shock wave. These winds can hurl debris—such as masonry, glass, wood, and metal—at speeds exceeding 160 km (100 miles) per hour, causing extensive secondary destruction to surrounding structures.1

The extent of the damage depends on the magnitude of the overpressure and the distance from the point of detonation, with the blast wave capable of destroying buildings for several miles from the burst location.12