Performance of simply supported concrete beams reinforced with high-strength polymer re-bars under blast-induced impulsive loading
S. M. Anas, Mehtab Alam
Abstract
A finite element model is developed in ABAQUS/CAE to simulate the dynamic response of the reinforced concrete (RC) beam under close-in air-blast loading. The model is subjected to different blast pressures at different scaled distances in free air. The values of the blast pressure have been taken from the blast tests conducted on four RC beams of size 1,700 mm × 150 mm × 150 mm by the State Key Laboratory of Explosion Science and Technology (China). The finite element predictions and available test results, including maximum mid-span displacements and damage to the beams, are presented and contrasted. The validated ABAQUS/CAE model is used to investigate the behaviour of the beams with replacement of the mild steel re-bars by the polymer re-bars of equivalent tensile strength on both compression and tension sides of the beam under air-blast loading.