TESTING AND ANALYSIS OF REINFORCED-CONCRETE PANELS SUBJECT TO EXPLOSIVE AND STATIC LOADING

The objective of the work described in this paper was to investigate t he accuracy that can be attained in calculating structural response to gas explosions, The testing programme conducted on 2.435 m square rei nforced concrete panels subject to explosive and static loading is des cribed, This provides data on the stiffness and strength of the panels , The accuracy of using various methods to predict the panels' fundame ntal frequency, ultimate strength and response through to failure is e xamined, and the main uncertainties in such analytical and numerical m odelling identified, Although modelling using the finite-element metho d is not considered, the uncertainties discussed will apply equally to the finite-element method.