Numerical study on dynamic behaviors of NRC slabs in containment dome subjected to close-in blast loading

Abstract

Reinforced concrete containment is the last barrier of Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) to be used to protect against blast from incidental events or terrorist attacks. The configuration of reinforcement bar in containment dome of NPP is 60°, which is significantly different from the ordinary reinforced concrete (ORC) structures. In the present study, in order to precisely evaluate the blast resistance of RC slab with 60-degree angle of reinforcement (this type of RC slab is defined to be as a novel RC slab), a nonlinear finite element model is developed to predict the dynamic behaviors of the novel RC (NRC) slabs under blast loads. At first, the accuracy of the numerical simulations is verified with blast testing data reported by other researchers. Maximum deflections and blast resistances of NRC slabs subjected to blast loads are investigated numerically and compared with the ORC slabs. Intensive numerical simulations are then carried out to investigate the influences of thickness of slab, explosive charge and yield strength on maximum deflection and first principal stress of NRC slabs. Based on the numerical simulation data, empirical relations are suggested to predict blast resistance of ORC and NRC slabs based on the explosive scenarios, slab dimensions and reinforcement conditions.