Numerical Study on the Behavior of Reinforced Concrete Sandwich Panels (RCSPs) under Blast Load

Abstract This paper presents the numerically modelled behavior of reinforced concrete sandwich panels (RCSPs) subjected to blast loads. The RCSPs are made up of expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam core having a spray-on reinforced concrete skins, like a ferrocement overlay, on both sides. The experimental study on RCSPs under blast load was previously conducted by Abbas et al. (2019). The authors investigated the physical damage intensity at different scaled distances by using qualitative fragility curves developed through visual inspection. The study was limited to the specific test plan and there is no quantitative record of the research. Experimental work on RCSPs under blasts requires extensive resources and finances. In order to overcome these limitations, the present study investigates the behavior of RCSPs subjected to blast load by utilizing Abaqus software package. The study aims at developing a numerical simulation through finite element analysis (FEA) which can be extended to other geometries and/or loads, facilitating quantitative research for the future. For simulating explosions in Abaqus, the conventional weapons effects programme (CONWEP) model has been used and the analysis is carried out by manipulating explicit dynamic solver. Damage assessment of RCSPs is done by utilizing concrete damage plasticity model. A satisfactory comparison has been drawn between the results of practical damage assessment and that obtained by the FEA. The numerical study is further extended to an RCSPs’ structure which showed satisfactory strength against blast load. It is recommended that RCSPs can be used in buildings as infill walls which provide significant capabilities to absorb and dissipate energy produced by explosions.