Experimental Study on Performance of Frame Structure Strengthened with Foamed Aluminum under Debris Flow Impact

Abstract

It is well recognized that debris flow is a threatening natural hazard that can apply a large impact force on building structures. To increase structural safety, it is imperative to understand the structural performance under the debris flow impact. This paper proposes a method of using foamed aluminum to improve the capacity of buildings to resist debris flow, and validates its effectiveness through a series of impact tests. The results show that the frame structure strengthened with foamed aluminum is effective to resist the debris flow impact. The proposed method has a double protection mechanism. When the impact load is relatively small, the foamed aluminum can fully absorb the impact energy; when the impact energy is large enough, the hardened foamed aluminum can, after repeated loadings, restrain the concrete and further enhance the bearing capacity of the column. Under the step-loading cases, the traditional frame column is not only damaged at an earlier stage than the strengthened one, but also has a greater deflection after failure. This indicates that the main deformation of the structure is concentrated on the impacted column. Using the foamed aluminum to strengthen the frame column, the impact resistance of the overall structure is noticeably improved because of the buffer effect. In addition, the novel strengthened frame structure has a more efficient force transmission mechanism, making full use of other structural components to dissipate the impact energy. This study would be helpful in the design of buildings in debris flow–prone areas.