Behavior of Reinforced Concrete Column Specimens Under Blast Loading Produced by Pentolite Charge

Abstract

This study presents an experimental and analytical investigation of the mechanical behavior of reinforced concrete specimens under the impact of explosive charges (Pentolite 50/50). During the experimental studies, 14 explosive charge configurations were made. These were shaped by the interaction of variables such as: weight of the explosive, metallic reinforcements and geometrical configuration of the explosive charges (conical, cylindrical and dihedral). The study found that conical-dihedral configuration with metallic reinforcement caused greater damage to the material. With this same explosive configuration, 11 destructive tests were carried out on reinforced concrete specimens, each measuring 30 × 30 cm in cross section and 50 cm in length with a compressive strength of 210 kg/cm2. A further 6 destructive tests were carried out on specimens with the same dimensions but with a compression resistance of 280 kg/cm2. The interaction between the energy released from the explosion and the splinters of the reinforcing steel caused fragmentation of the concrete and deformation of the reinforcing steel. However, the fracturing of the reinforcing steel depends on the amount of the explosive charge. The results of these models are presented in terms of deformation and fracture, which were backed up by the data obtained in the experimental tests, in order to establish a degree of reliability of the analytical models.