Experimental and numerical studies of ultra-high performance concrete targets against high-velocity projectile impacts

Ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) which is known for high strength, high toughness, excellent ductility and good energy absorption capacity can be adopted as an ideal material in the impact resistant design of structures. In the present study, impact responses of UHPC targets with 3 vol-% ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibres and UHPC targets with 3 vol-% steel fibres are experimentally investigated subjected to high-velocity projectile penetration, and plain concrete targets under the same loading scenarios are also tested as control specimens for comparative purpose. In addition, numerical studies are conducted to simulate the projectile penetration process into UHPC targets with the assistance of a computer program LS-DYNA. The numerical results in terms of the depth of penetration (DOP) and crater diameter as well as projectile abrasions and damages are compared with the experimental results. Moreover, DOPs of these two types of UHPC targets obtained from tests are compared with the previously proposed empirical model.