Improving the resistance of concrete panels to hard projectile impact

In this article, the response of nine plain concrete panels to an impact of hard projectiles was examined in an experimental study. The tests were planned with an aim to observe the influence of compressive strength on the performance of concrete under impact loading. Concrete panels with compressive strengths within the range of 26 to 92 MPa subjected to impact by 23 mm hard projectile at velocities within the range of 270 to 348 m/s were studied. Also, using a glass fiber reinforced polymer sheet, as a liner on the rear face of the plain concrete panel, to strengthen the panel was examined. The experimental results indicate that strengthening concrete panel with a rear glass fiber reinforced polymer sheet showed more satisfactory performance under the impact load than increasing compressive strength of concrete. Also, the use of glass fiber reinforced polymer sheets as rear liners in addition to increasing the concrete strength showed superior performance of concrete panels against impact; it is recommended to be used in protective structures.