Dynamic mechanical behaviors of foamed concrete using modified viscoelastic SHPB

This study aims to investigate the dynamic mechanical behaviors of foamed concrete (FC) utilizing a modified viscoelastic split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (VE-SHPB). The VE-SHPB proposed in this study enables impedance matching between bars and FC, enhancing measurement precision. Dynamic mechanical behaviors of FC with different densities (400, 700, 1000, 1300 kg/m3) under various incident pressure (0.2, 0.5, 0.8, 1.1 MPa) are examined using the VE-SHPB. The failure modes of FC are categorized into Spalling (Mode I), Disintegration (Mode II), and Comminution (Mode III) based on fracture states of post-impact. The mechanism of strain rate and density on failure mode, dynamic strength, dynamic increase factor (DIF), and energy consumption density are discussed. The results show that FC's dynamic mechanical properties increase with increasing strain rate, but present different strain rate sensitivities at different densities. The dynamic mechanical properties of FC are determined by both the pore structure and matrix properties. Notably, Mode II shows better ability of energy consumption, specifically FC with a density around 700 kg/m3 demonstrates higher energy absorption density.