Simplified Analytical Models to Predict Low-Velocity Impact Response of RC Beams

Abstract

Nowadays, evaluation of the impact resistance of structures is receiving immense attention among engineers and researchers because of the increase in accidental and/or malicious incidents around the world. Although numerous experiments and nonlinear finite-element dynamic analysis (NLFEDA) have been carried out in the past to investigate the behavior of RC structures under impact loading, such approaches may not be applicable for routine analysis. Thus, in this study, simplified analytical models, such as energy-balance and single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) models, were developed to predict the maximum midspan deflection of a beam, and the results were compared with the results of low-velocity impact testing conducted by the author and other researchers. Maximum midspan deflection is considered to be an important performance index to evaluate the damage levels of beams when subjected to impact loadings. Therefore, this study provides efficient yet simple tools to practicing engineers for the preliminary analysis and design of RC beams under low-velocity impact prior to the use of detailed finite-element (FE) analysis and/or laboratory testing.