Finite Element Modelling of Fiber Reinforced Concrete Behaviour under Blast and Impact Loads

Abstract

This project investigated the performance of concrete structures under blast loading conditions. The project involved finite element (FE) modelling with no physical testing in the lab. The blast simulation of concrete structures was carried out using ANSYS. Despite being challenging, the results were highly acceptable. The modelling involved plain concrete and concrete containing various amount of steel and plastic fibres (individually) ranging from 0 to 1.5% (by volume). The results showed that the addition of steel and plastic fibres enhanced the performance of concrete under blast conditions. It was shown that the higher the amount of fibres the better the performance of the concrete under blast loading conditions. Moreover, the steel fibres enhanced the strength of the concrete characterised by the Von-Mises strength whereby the steel won the competition against plastic fibres. On the other hand, the plastic fibres enhanced the toughness of the concrete characterised by the upward/downward deformation on the surface whereby the plastic won the competition against steel fibres. The results from ANSYS were validated by literature studies whereby they agreed very well with the published studies in terms of the effect of adding steel/plastic fibres to concrete structures.