Dynamic response of a reinforced concrete slab subjected to air blast load

Reinforced concrete is the principal material for military engineering and nuclear power plant containment. However, impacts and explosions could completely destroy such structures, causing tremendous casualties and property loss. Hence, this study conducts an analysis on the propagation law of a blast pressure wave and the dynamic response of reinforced concrete structures under explosive pressure wave effects. This study uses proper state material parameters and equations and then applies the non-linear finite element analysis software LS-DYNA to conduct a numerical simulation of a free-field explosion model. After comparison with the computed results from empirical equations and validating the reliability of the numerical analysis model, the destruction and influencing factors on reinforced concrete slabs, under the effects of a blast pressure wave, are investigated. The results can serve as a reference for future analysis and design. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.