The effects of impact loading on reinforced concrete panels

• Main Author: Mason, Derek Allen
• Other Authors: Kratz, Rolf Dietmar
• Format: Dissertation
• Language: English
• Published: University of Cape Town 2014
• Subjects: Civil Engineering
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/11427/8300

Includes bibliographical references. === An investigation into the effects of impact loading on reinforced concrete panels (slabs) was conducted. The impact load was generated by means of a compound pendulum. The impact load was increased by increasing the height from which the pendulum was released as well as by the addition of weights (masses) to the pendulum. The duration of the impulse was varied by the addition of weights (masses). This meant that with low mass and high velocity a high initial intensity and short duration was achieved. The addition of weights (masses) gave low initial intensity and longer duration. Damage criteria identified included residual strength, pendulum backswing, crack width and permanent deformation as well as 'punching' through of the panels. It was shown that residual strength was inadequate on its own to classify a specimen as failed, but had to be used in conjunction with one or more of the other damage criteria. An Elasto-Plastic Design Method was developed and used in the analysis. The method is described in Chapter 8 and is given as a simplified method to design panels for impact loading.