Effect of High-Performance Concrete and Steel Materials on the Blast Performance of Reinforced Concrete One-Way Slabs

Abstract

The mitigation of blast hazards on critical reinforced concrete structures has become a major concern in regards to the safety of people and the integrity of buildings. Recent terrorist incidents and accidental explosions have demonstrated the need to study the effects of such threats on structures in order to develop effective methods of reducing the overall impact of blast loads. With the arrival of innovative materials such as steel fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC), ultra-high performance fibre reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) and high strength steel reinforcement, research is required in order to successfully adapt these new materials in blast-resistant structures. Hence, the objective of this thesis to conduct an experimental parametric study with the purpose of investigating the implementation of these innovative materials in reinforced concrete slabs and panels. As part of the study, a total of fourteen one-way slab specimens with different combinations of concrete, steel fibres and steel reinforcement are tested under simulated blast loads using the University of Ottawa Shock-Tube Facility. The test program includes three slabs constructed with normal-strength concrete, five slabs constructed with SFRC and six slabs constructed with UHPFRC. Among these specimens, four are reinforced with high-performance steel reinforcement. The specimens are subjected to repeated blast loading with gradually increasing reflected pressure and reflected impulse until failure. The performance of the slabs is studied using various criteria such as failure load and mode, maximum and residual deflections, as well as tensile cracking, spalling and secondary fragmentation control. The behaviour of all specimens is compared in different categories to determine the effects of concrete type, steel reinforcement type, steel fibre content and steel fibre type on blast performance. As part of the analytical study the response of the slab specimens is predicted using dynamic inelastic single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) analysis. The dynamic analysis is conducted by generating load-deformation resistance functions for the slabs incorporating dynamic material properties.