Development of P-I diagrams for FRP strengthened RC columns

In this study, numerical simulations are performed to construct the Pressure-Impulse (P-I) diagrams for FRP strengthened RC columns to provide correlations between the damage levels of FRP strengthened RC columns and blast loadings. Numerical model of RC columns without or with FRP strengthening is developed using LS-DYNA. The accuracy of the model to simulate RC column responses to blast loads is verified by comparing the numerical simulation results with the tests results available in the literature. Dynamic response and damage of RC columns with different FRP strengthening measures are then calculated using the developed numerical model. The residual axial-load carrying capacity is utilized to quantify the damage level since the columns are primarily designed to carry the axial loads. Parametric studies are performed to examine the influence of column dimension, concrete strength, steel reinforcement ratios, FRP thickness and FRP strength on the P-I diagrams. The empirical formulae are derived based on numerical results to predict the impulse and pressure asymptote of P-I diagrams. These empirical formulae can be straightforwardly used to construct P-I diagrams for assessment of blast loading resistance capacities of RC columns with different FRP strengthening measures. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.