Abstract
This paper presents the blast responses of ultrahigh-performance concrete (UHPC) structural members obtained using finite element (FE) modelling. The FE model was developed using LS-DYNA with an explicit solver. In the FE simulation, the concrete damage model, which is a plasticity-based constitutive material model, was employed for the concrete material. The simulation results were verified against previous experimental results available in the literature and were shown to be in good agreement with the experimental results. In addition, the developed FE model was implemented in a parametric study by varying the blast weight charges. The numerical results for UHPC members were compared with those for conventional reinforced concrete (RC) members. The numerical responses, such as the maximum deflections, deflected shapes, and damage patterns, of the UHPC members subjected to blast loading were significantly better performance than those of the RC members as a result of the high strength and ductile capacity of UHPC.
Highlights
The behaviour of nonlinear structural members, such as reinforced concrete (RC) members, during explosions is a complex issue because of the short duration and high amplitude of such blasts (CEB-FIP Model Code, 1990; Ngo, Mendis, & Krauthammer, 2007)
The integration of ultrahigh-performance concrete (UHPC) into structural members is effective against blast loading because the high strength and ductility of UHPC can help mitigate deflection and damage
According to previous experimental studies (Yi, Kim, Han, Cho, & Lee, 2012; Li, Wu, Hao, Wang, & Su, 2016; Li, Wu, Hao, & Su, 2017; Mao, Barnett, Begg, Schleyer, & Wight, 2014; Mao et al, 2015), the inclusion of UHPC structural members under blast loading significantly enhances the blast resistance capacity in comparison with that of conventional RC members made of normal-strength concrete (NSC)
Summary
The behaviour of nonlinear structural members, such as reinforced concrete (RC) members, during explosions is a complex issue because of the short duration and high amplitude of such blasts (CEB-FIP Model Code, 1990; Ngo, Mendis, & Krauthammer, 2007). The integration of UHPC into structural members is effective against blast loading because the high strength and ductility of UHPC can help mitigate deflection and damage. The FE models developed by Mao et al (2014) and Li et al (2015) could reasonably predict the maximum deflection and damage pattern of UHPC panels under blast loading, but the evolution of the deflected shapes of the members was not reported. With that of conventional RC members using FE modelling has not yet been clearly reported This means much work on relevant FE methods remains to be carried out to address the issue of blast loading. Comparisons of simulation results included the maximum deflections, deflected shapes, and damage patterns of the two types of members
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
