Effects of stainless steel reinforcement and fibers on the flexural behaviour of high-strength concrete beams subjected to static and blast loading

Abstract

This research has investigated the effects of stainless steel (SS) reinforcement on the flexural behaviour of high-strength reinforced concrete beams subjected to static and blast loading. As part of the tests, beams built with high-strength concrete (HSC) and Grade 520 MPa stainless steel bars were tested under blast loads using a shock-tube. Companion beams were also tested under quasi-static conditions. The effects of steel fibers on shear and flexural response were also investigated. In the beams with stirrups, the use of SS bars improved blast behaviour by increasing blast capacity and reducing displacements when compared to identical beams designed with ordinary steel. The use of fibers further improved blast performance by reducing displacements and increasing damage tolerance. In beams without stirrups, the use of fibers was unable to completely substitute for transverse steel and prevent failure, however the shear capacity was increased. As part of the numerical study, the behaviour of the test beams was simulated using 2D finite element (FE) modelling. The FE results show reliable predictions of the beams under static and blast conditions.