Briefing: Blast tests of fibre-reinforced concrete panels

This briefing paper describes explosion testing of ultrahigh-performance, fibre-reinforced concrete panels. Four panels measuring 3.5 m x 1.3 m x 100 mm were subjected to 100 kg trinitrotoluene-equivalent explosion loading. Variables included type and quantity of fibre reinforcement, the use of conventional steel reinforcing bars and the stand-off distance of the panels from the explosive charge. The panels were found to resist explosion loading without creating shrapnel. Panels without secondary steel reinforcement were severely cracked but remained standing after testing at a stand-off distance of 12 m. Panels with steel reinforcing bars withstood the explosion at closer stand-offs (down to 7 m) with only minor cracking.