A P-I diagram approach for predicting failure modes of RPC one-way slabs subjected to blast loading

This paper presents a pressure-impulse (P-I) diagram method for predicting failure modes of reactive powder concrete (RPC) one-way slabs subjected to blast loading. This method involves two loosely-coupled single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) models and the proposed failure criteria. Motion functions, resistance functions and dynamic mechanical properties of RPC are considered in predicting the dynamic response of RPC one-way slabs. Deformation of RPC one-way slabs predicted using a theoretical approach correlate well with the explosion test results. According to previous studies, the flexural-shear failure of structural members occurs at high pressures and impulses. However, analysis results show that only shear failure occurs under these conditions once the shear fracture criterion is introduced. A new shear failure region is found in the P-I diagram. Parametric studies show that the asymptotes of P-I curves increase with increasing slab depth, longitudinal reinforcement ratio, and RPC compressive strength, and decreasing slab length and load level. When the boundary condition changes from clamped to simply-supported, the asymptote values of flexural P-I curves decrease, while the asymptote values of shear P-I curves increase. In addition, the applicability of the improved P-I diagrams approach in practical evaluation is illustrated through a case study.