In this investigation, a methodology based on numerical simulations has been used to determine the response of structural components under air blast loading. Key issues with numerical simulations applied to reinforced concrete components have been investigated. It is shown that a validation of the numerical model based on experiments is necessary since there exist many uncertainties in the assumptions of the simulation. The validation with experiments enables reasonable simplifications of the numerical model. The validated numerical model is shown to be effective in helping to establish structural response features of typical components. Some of the difficult issues for the experimental tests, such as the effect of axial load, may be determined with simulations. The simulations provide added values for the experiments. An example is provided for the structural response analyses of an axially loaded beam under air blast loading condition.