Resistance-Deflection Functions for Concrete Wall Panels with Openings

Abstract

The design or assessment of wall panels subject to blast loading requires the formulation of a dynamic flexural resistance-deflection function for the element. With the exception of situations in which the explosion occurs at very close proximity to the panel, the resistance to blast loading may be based upon a quasi-static resistance function that subsequently must be modified for dynamic effects. This paper describes a proposed method for the derivation of quasi-static elastic/plastic resistance functions for reinforced concrete wall panels with door and window openings based upon finite element analysis and yield-line theory. This approach is compared with the results of tests on model wall panels. It is shown to produce a conservative value of ultimate load but may underestimate the deflection at the limit of elastic behavior.