Numerical simulation of impact response behavior of rectangular reinforced concrete slabs under falling-weight impact loading

A numerical analysis method for rectangular reinforced concrete slabs under falling-weight impact loading is established. The proposed method using finite element analysis incorporates a simple constitutive model for concrete elements. The applicability was investigated comparing the numerical results with the experimental data. Falling-weight impact tests were conducted on reinforced concrete slabs with different supporting conditions. These were: a slab with line supports on four sides; a slab with two line supports on two opposite sides (the other two sides were free); and a slab with one line and two corner-point supports. Following results were obtained from this study: (I) the time histories of dynamic responses are well predicted by using proposed numerical analysis method; (2) maximum reaction forces and the maximum deflections in the slab center below the loading point, and characteristics of the damped free vibration after falling weight was rebounded, can be better predicted; and (3) major crack patterns can be roughly predicted despite of support conditions.