Modelling the dynamic response and failure modes of reinforced concrete structures subjected to blast and impact loading

Responding to the threat of terrorist attacks around the world, numerous studies have been conducted to search for new methods of vulnerability assessment and protective technologies for critical infrastructure under extreme bomb blasts or high velocity impacts. In this paper, a two-dimensional behavioral rate dependent lattice model (RDLM) capable of analyzing reinforced concrete members Subjected to blast and impact loading is presented. The model inherently takes into account several major influencing factors: the progressive cracking of concrete in tension, the inelastic response in compression, the yielding of reinforcing steel, and strain rate sensitivity of both concrete and steel. A computer code using the explicit algorithm was developed based on the proposed lattice model. The explicit code along with the proposed numerical model was validated using experimental test results from the Woomera blast trial.