Finite Element Simulation of FRP Strengthened Reinforced Concrete Slabs under Two Independent Air Blasts

Abstract

Multiple detonations might occur in both accidental explosions and terrorism attacks. Generally, normal reinforced concrete (RC) structures which are not designed to withstand high intensity blast loads are not capable of withstanding explosions from a single blast let alone a sequence of more than one blast. Since concrete is often highly cracked and damaged from the first blast, the remaining deteriorated concrete and steel reinforcement in a RC member becomes very vulnerable to collapse. This paper reports on the feasibility of using fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) to strengthen a normal RC slab capable of sustaining two independent air blasts. Apart from the experimental investigation, numerical studies have been conducted to verify the concrete and FRP material models when they are utilized to predict the behaviour of FRP-RC structures under multiple blasts. This article provides guidance on how to choose appropriately between the two existing concrete models available in the LS-DYNA code.