Finite Element Modeling for Impact Response of Reinforced Concrete Beams
Yasin Abdelwahid Hago , Kazi Md Abu Sohel
كلية الهندسة-جامعة السلطان قابوس · عمان
Reinforced concrete structures (RC structures) are widely used around the world. It is known that most reinforced concrete structures are subjected to static loads. However, in addition to static loads, some RC structures may also be exposed to dynamic loads, mainly from impacts. Such scenarios might occur in cases of vehicle crashes, falling rocks in mountainous areas, missiles resulting from terrorist attacks, crane failures at construction sites, and similar incidents. Many researchers have conducted laboratory experiments to investigate the structural response in these cases. However, experimental investigations for providing design guidelines or verifying the performance of beams under impact loading are very costly. Therefore, this research employed a Finite Element (FE) software called LS-DYNA to investigate the impact response of RC beams. A numerical model was proposed and validated using laboratory test results from a published study. Since FE software saves both cost and time compared to laboratory experiments, a parametric study was conducted in this research. The parameters studied include the effect of longitudinal tension reinforcement, concrete grade, shear reinforcement, mass and velocity of the impacting object, support conditions, and the moment of inertia of the RC section. The study concluded that longitudinal tension reinforcement significantly enhances the resistance of the RC beam to impact loading compared to other factors. Within the specified range of longitudinal reinforcement percentages (0.2%–4%), an empirical formula was proposed relating the impact energy, the percentage of longitudinal reinforcement, and the maximum midspan deflection. Additionally, the type of end support condition showed a notable effect on the resistance of the RC section. Different shapes of RC beams were also investigated, revealing that the beam’s depth has a greater influence on impact resistance than the web thickness.