Numerical simulation of blast resistance of reinforced concrete slabs under fire conditions

Abstract

To study the blast resistance of reinforced concrete slabs under fire, the finite element software ABAQUS is used to simulate the static loading test of RC slabs under fire and the blast test of RC slabs at ambient temperature. After being validated, the FE model is employed to investigate the failure mechanism of RC slabs under the combined action of fire and blast using thermo-mechanical coupling technique. Moreover, the effects of fire exposure duration, scaled distance, and charge weight on the blast resistance of the RC slabs after fire are studied. The results show that blast results in the local shear failure in the center of the RC slab subjected to fire. Then, the whole floor slab undergoes flexural failure. With the increase of fire duration, the damage of RC slabs becomes more severe, and the plastic deformation gradually enables energy dissipation. The scaled distance and charge weight have the most significant influence on the failure mode and dynamic response of the RC slabs. The smaller the scaled distance, the more serious damage to the RC slabs. When the scaled distance is greater than 3 m/kg1/3, no damage occurs. The larger the charge weight, the more serious damage to the RC slabs.