Ultra-high performance fiber reinforced concrete panel subjected to severe blast loading

Experimental studies play a crucial role in shedding light on the dynamic behaviour of structures under blast loading. However, high costs and complicated technical requirements, particularly for full-scale structures, are still huge disadvantages to conduct such a series of tests. Hence, the finite element method is much needed to provide supplementary information to previous experiments and to enable further parametric studies without testing. This article presents a numerical investigation carried out to understand the behaviour of ultra high performance fiber reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) panels under severe blast loading. The authors designed a subroutine with eight numbers of solution-dependent state variables, 32 mechanical constants, integrated with the Abaqus program to analyze the dynamic behaviour of UHPFRC against multiple blast impacts, using the Johnson-Holmquist 2 damage model incorporating both the damage and residual strength of the material. The subroutine was validated by comparing the simulation results with test results. For the purpose of estimating the structural response of the UHPFRC panel subjected to blast loading, other studying scenarios were considered by varying input parameters, including the thickness of the panel, stand-off distance, and steel reinforcement bar volume. The variations in deflection, strain, and damage of the UHPFRC panel, as well as the steel reinforcement strain, were also evaluated. Through important obtained results, the UHPFRC panel is strongly recommended for a protective barrier installed in the vicinity of critical infrastructure against severe blast loading. © 2020, DESIDOC.