Concrete Structures Subjected to Impact and Blast Loadings and Their Combinations


Book Description

Although much research focuses on investigating the responses of reinforced concrete (RC) structures under sole impact or blast loads, the responses of RC structures under a combination of impact and blast loads currently represent a gap in our knowledge. The combined actions of impact and blast loadings may be applied to RC structures during accidental or intentional collision of vessels, vehicles, etc., carrying explosive materials. A comprehensive study on the vulnerability of various structural members is carried out using finite element (FE) simulations under combination of impact and blast loads with the variations of various loading- and structural-related parameters and key parameters. This book introduces various structural analysis approaches for concrete structures when subjected to extreme loads such as impact and blast loadings. The theory of the combinations of impact and blast loads is proposed that can provide primary insights to the specific readers to develop new ideas in impact and blast engineering, including combined actions of extreme loads arising from real-world intentional or accidental events. This book will be of value to students (undergraduate or postgraduate), engineers, and researchers in structural and civil engineering, and specifically, those who are studying and investigating the performances of concrete structures under extreme loads.




Damage to Concrete Structures


Book Description

Serious degradation mechanisms can severely reduce the service life of concrete structures: steel reinforcement can corrode, cement matrix can be attacked, and even aggregates can show detrimental processes. Therefore, it is important to understand how damage can occur to concrete structures and to appreciate the timing of the actions leading to damage. Damage to Concrete Structures summarizes the state-of-the-art information on the degradation of concrete structures, and gives a clear and comprehensive overview of what can go wrong. Offering a logical flow, the chapters are ordered according to the chronological timing of the actions leading to concrete damage. The author explains the different actions or mechanisms in a fundamental manner, without too many physical or chemical details, to provide greater clarity and readability. The book describes the different causes of damage to concrete, including inappropriate design, errors during execution, mechanisms occurring during hardening of concrete, and actions or degradation mechanisms during service life (hardened concrete). The degradation mechanisms are illustrated with numerous real-world examples and many drawings and photographs taken of actual structures. Written as a textbook for students as well as a reference for professionals, this easy-to-comprehend book gives readers a deeper understanding of the damage that can occur to concrete during the construction process and service.




Handbook for Blast Resistant Design of Buildings


Book Description

Unique single reference supports functional and cost-efficient designs of blast resistant buildings Now there's a single reference to which architects, designers, and engineers can turn for guidance on all the key elements of the design of blast resistant buildings that satisfy the new ASCE Standard for Blast Protection of Buildings as well as other ASCE, ACI, and AISC codes. The Handbook for Blast Resistant Design of Buildings features contributions from some of the most knowledgeable and experienced consultants and researchers in blast resistant design. This handbook is organized into four parts: Part 1, Design Considerations, sets forth basic principles, examining general considerations in the design process; risk analysis and reduction; criteria for acceptable performance; materials performance under the extraordinary blast environment; and performance verification for technologies and solution methodologies. Part 2, Blast Phenomena and Loading, describes the explosion environment, loading functions needed for blast response analysis, and fragmentation and associated methods for effects analysis. Part 3, System Analysis and Design, explains the analysis and design considerations for structural, building envelope, component space, site perimeter, and building system designs. Part 4, Blast Resistant Detailing, addresses the use of concrete, steel, and masonry in new designs as well as retrofitting existing structures. As the demand for blast resistant buildings continues to grow, readers can turn to the Handbook for Blast Resistant Design of Buildings, a unique single source of information, to support competent, functional, and cost-efficient designs.







Development of Ultra-High Performance Concrete against Blasts


Book Description

Development of Ultra-High Performance Concrete against Blasts: From Materials to Structures presents a detailed overview of UHPC development and its related applications in an era of rising terrorism around the world. Chapters present case studies on the novel development of the new generation of UHPC with nano additives. Field blast test results on reinforced concrete columns made with UHPC and UHPC filled double-skin tubes columns are also presented and compiled, as is the residual load-carrying capacities of blast-damaged structural members and the exceptional performance of novel UHPC materials that illustrate its potential in protective structural design. As a notable representative, ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) has now been widely investigated by government agencies and universities. UHPC inherits many positive aspects of ultra-high strength concrete (UHSC) and is equipped with improved ductility as a result of fiber addition. These features make it an ideal construction material for bridge decks, storage halls, thin-wall shell structures, and other infrastructure because of its protective properties against seismic, impact and blast loads. - Focuses on the principles behind UHPC production, properties, design and detailing aspects - Presents a series of case studies and filed blast tests on columns and slabs - Focuses on applications and future developments




Fracture Mechanics of Concrete Structures


Book Description

This conference is the first in a series of conferences dedicated to Fracture Mechanics of Concrete Structures. Due to the recent explosion of interest in research on fracture in concrete, the conference has brought together the world's leading researchers in fracture of concrete and this book contains the proceedings.




Understanding the Tensile Properties of Concrete


Book Description

The response of concrete under tensile loading is crucial for most applications because concrete is much weaker in tension than in compression. Understanding the response mechanisms of concrete under tensile conditions is therefore key to understanding and using concrete in structural applications. Understanding the Tensile Properties of Concrete Second Edition summarises key recent research in this important subject area. After an introduction to concrete, the book is divided into two parts: part one on static response and part two on dynamic response. Part one starts with a summary chapter on the most important parameters that affect the tensile response of concrete. Chapters show how multi scale modelling is used to relate concrete composition to tensile properties. Part two focuses on dynamic response and starts with an introduction to the different regimes of dynamic loading, ranging from the low frequency loading by wind or earthquakes up to the extreme dynamic conditions due to explosions and ballistic impacts. Following chapters review dynamic testing techniques and devices that deal with the various regimes of dynamic loading. Later chapters highlight the dynamic behaviour of concrete from different viewpoints, and the book ends with a chapter on practical examples of how detailed knowledge on tensile properties is used by engineers in structural applications. Drawing on the work of some of the leading experts in the field, the book is fully updated and will be a valuable reference for civil and structural engineers as well as those researching this important material. - Presents recent research in the areas of understanding the response mechanisms of concrete under tensile conditions - Provides a summary of the most important parameters that affect the tensile response of concrete and shows how multi scale modeling is used to relate concrete composition to tensile properties - Highlights the dynamic behavior of concrete from different viewpoints and provides practical examples of how detailed knowledge on tensile properties is used by engineers in structural applications - Presents recent advancements in tensile strength determination under static and dynamic loading conditions for concrete structures - Covers HSFRC and FRHSC - Presents new work on non-local models and damage modeling, the dynamic increase factor for tensile strength, fracture energy and anchors, and slop stabilization







Learning from Construction Failures


Book Description

Much of the knowledge used to design, build, and operate engineered facilities and products is gained by learning from failures. As catastrophic building failures become ever more costly, this book helps readers understand key issues, from determining the causes of failure and isolating failed parts to lessening personal liability through proper contracting, planning, and management.