Dynamic Performance Enhancement of One-way Reinforced Concrete Slabs by Fiber-reinforced Polymer Re-bars and Aluminum Foam under Air-blast Loading

In the present study, finite element (FE) simulations are performed using the high fidelity physics-based finite element program, ABAQUS/CAE on the models of the one-way normal strength concrete slab, reinforced with the High Yield Strength Deformed (HYSD) steel re-bars, subjected to air-blast loading. The FE models are developed and subjected to different quantities of the TNT explosive charges at different scaled distances (between 0.75 and 3.0 m/kg1/3) in free air. There exists a good correlation between available experimental values/observations and the results obtained analytically. Analyses have been extended replacing the conventional steel re-bars with the re-bars of the fiber-reinforced polymers namely; aramid, basalt, carbon, and glass, of equivalent strength on the tension side, impact side only, and both the sides of the slab. The replacement has been considered to improve the blast resistance of the slab. The damage in the slabs has been simulated using the available sophisticated material model to evaluate geometric parameters of cracks. FE simulation results for the considered combinations of the reinforcement have been compared to arrive at the best reinforcement combination in the slab. To further enhance the blast performance of this slab, single and double layers of the aluminum foam has also been considered on the impact face. Application of the aluminum foam is found to be effective in reducing the mid-span deflection, damage dissipation energy, and depth of transverse flexural cracks.