Numerical and theoretical study of concrete spall damage under blast loads

Abstract

Spall damage is a typical failure mode of concrete structures under blast or high velocity impact loads. At the opposite side from which the structural element was impulsively loaded, spall will occur if the net primary stresses over an area exceed the dynamic tensile strength of concrete. Fragments of structural element could eject with large velocities, and this kind of damage can cause severe threats to equipment and personnel. In the present study, reinforced concrete columns subjected to the blast loading is investigated and the numerical study of concrete spall is conducted. The spall depth is recorded and compared with the theoretical results derived from wave propagation theory. The parameters that affect the concrete spall damage are investigated.