Peak Response Prediction for RC Beams under Impact Loading

Abstract

In this paper, a novel and simple method for predicting the peak response of RC beams subjected to impact loading is proposed. The theoretical basis for calculating the peak impact force originates from the contact law, the principle of conservation of energy, the impulse-momentum theorem, and the wave theory. Additionally, the conventional beam theory, in conjunction with the well-known layered-section approach, is utilized to obtain the force-deflection relationship of the RC beam. Subsequently, by taking into account the strain rate effect, the maximum midspan deflection of RC beams under impact loading is determined based on the conservation of energy approach. A comparison with 143 impact tests has shown that the proposed method is able to estimate the maximum midspan deflection of RC beams under impact loading with high accuracy. The prediction of the peak impact force is shown to be slightly overestimated, which however can be used in the anti-impact design to preclude the shear failure near the impact point.