Pressure-impulse diagrams using finite element analysis for reinforced concrete slabs subjected to blast loading
Abstract
Reinforced concrete slab systems are widely used in protective structures designed to
resist blast events. Blast events subject structures to high pressure and impulse loads. The
magnitude of blast load experienced by a structural element is directly related to the exposed
area. Hence protection of reinforced concrete slabs and walls, which constitute the maximum
exposed area of a structure when subjected to blast loads, is of great importance. The main purpose of the project is to study the non-linear response of reinforced concrete
slabs when subjected to impact and blast loading. Blast loading comprises of impulsive, dynamic
and quasi-static loading conditions. And the performance of reinforced concrete slabs subjected
to these loads is highly dependent upon the reinforcing steel provided in the slab. Hence a
comprehensive analysis is performed on a representative slab panel with varying reinforcement. Due to the nature of the blast loading analysis method used influences the slab response
significantly. Hence the slab response was predicted and compared using finite element (FE) and
single degree of freedom (SDOF) methods. An advanced finite element modeling tool, LSDYNA
and a commonly used SDOF analysis tool, SBEDS are employed for the purpose of analysis. A parametric analysis is conducted to develop Pressure-Impulse (PI) curves for different
damage levels. Curve fit analysis was performed to characterize the PI curves generated from FE
method. Conclusions and future work recommendations are presented for design of reinforced
concrete slabs for blast protection based upon the research are presented and discussed.
Table of Contents
Introduction -- Blast response of reinforced concrete slabs -- Pressure-impulse diagrams for reinforced concrete slabs -- Experimental study and design values -- Conclusions -- Appendix A. -- Appendix B
Degree
M.S.