Capacity estimation of RC slab of a nuclear containment structure subject to impact loading

Abstract

The failure of reinforced concrete (RC) structures is increasing day by day in all over the world due to different types of impact (such as aircraft impact, missile impact, fragment impact, small vehicle impact) and explosive loadings (blast loading). The number of occurrences of impact loading on the structures has increased exponentially. It can damage the structural components (beam, column, and slab) heavily and also cause the injuries to the mankind. Sometimes it is not possible to repair the whole structures. So it becomes an important issue at present time. This research estimates the capacity of RC slab as a nuclear containment structural component. The RC slab is designed as per current code and guidelines. A detailed finite element (FE) modeling of the RC slab is carried out in the present study. A full scale experiment is conducted on the RC slab to evaluate the strength of the RC slab in a similar mode of failure. Analytical calculations are performed to estimate the load carrying and displacement capacity of the RC slab. The analytical calculations and FE simulations are compared with the experimental investigation to find out the effect of single degree-of-freedom approximation, rate effect and other factors affecting the capacity of the RC slab during an impact event. This will facilitate the accurate estimation of the dynamic capacity of RC slab during an impact event. The results will help in modifying the code based provisions for analysis and design of structural members subject to impact loading.