Analysis of RC beams subjected to shock loading using a modified fibre element formulation

In this paper an improved one-dimensional frame element for modelling of reinforced concrete beams and columns subjected to impact is presented. The model is developed in the framework of a flexibility fibre element formulation that ignores the shear effect at material level. However, a simple shear cap is introduced at section level to take account of possible shear failure. The effect of strain rate at the fibre level is taken into account by using the dynamic increase factor (DIF) concept for steel and concrete. The capability of the formulation for estimating the element response history is demonstrated by some numerical examples and it is shown that the developed 1D element has the potential to be used for dynamic analysis of large framed structures subjected to impact of air blast and rigid objects.