Numerical simulation of the behaviour of high strength concrete structural members subjected to blast

Abstract

High strength concrete is being used over the last years for the construction of structures capable of withstanding explosions, as well as on protective structures against impacts and explosions. In the presented research, the ability of the numerical tools for representing the experimental results obtained on tests of high strength concrete elements subjected to explosive and static loading is analyzed. To that end, the experimental tests carried out by the Swedish Defence Agency on high strength concrete beams are used. The results obtained show the ability of numerical methods for accurately reproducing the behavior of concrete. Paradoxically, better results have been obtained for the dynamic loading than for the static loading. Numerical simulations and experimental results show a different structural response of the structural elements when subjected to high strain rate regarding their behavior under static loading.