Simplified numerical model for the collapse analysis of RC frame under oblique impact

Abstract

The objective of this study is to develop a simplified numerical model that can be used to accurately and quickly conduct collapse analysis of a reinforced concrete (RC) frame impacted by a vehicle obliquely at 45°. The simplified numerical model included introduces a simplified RC frame and a simplified vehicle. For the simplified RC frame, a mixed modelling technique was used, in which structural components that experienced serious damage were simulated using detailed elements, while the retained structural components were simulated by larger elements. A constraint algorithm of nodal rigid body in LS-DYNA was adopted to guarantee the displacement compatibility of two kinds of element. For the simplified vehicle model, the spring–mass system was improved on the basis of the energy conservation principle to represent the vehicle in a 45° impact. Combining the simplified RC frame model and vehicle model, the impact response of an RC frame subjected to vehicle impact was studied and compared with the results of a detailed RC frame model impacted by a detailed vehicle. The validation confirmed that these introduced simplifications could significantly improve the computational efficiency and ensure the computational accuracy for the collapse analysis of an RC frame subjected to vehicle impact.