Experimental investigation into the close-in blast performance of RC columns with axial loading

•Field tests reveal the failure mechanism of RC column subjected to close-in blast loads.•The decrease of scaled distances intensifies the local damage of RC column subjected to blast loads.•The effect of axial compression ratio on the blast performance of RC column is related to the axial loadings.•Residual bearing capacity test is carried out to assess the blast damage degree of RC column.