Modeling of structures subjected to impact: concrete behaviour under high strain rate

This paper deals with a viscoplastic model which is the natural way to take into account the rate effect. Consideration of viscosity averts the habitual mesh sensitivity when strain softening is introduced by preserving the well-posedness of the initial boundary value problem. Modeling can constitute an alternative to experimentation not in order to predict the material response, but to try to understand and to evaluate the rate effect. Numerical simulation of the split test Hopkinson pressure bar gives an idea of dynamic concrete behaviour: forces of inertia, inertial confinement, structural effect and rate effect. Finally, the model is used to simulate a reinforced concrete beam submitted to impact. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.