Effect of Reinforcement Ratio and Distribution on Penetration Resistance of Reinforced Concrete Panels: Numerical Simulation

Reinforced concrete protective layers of fortified structures are considered key points in resisting missiles penetration. Ferrocement is a highly versatile form of concrete reinforced with wire mesh reinforced in two directions. This type of reinforcement provides isotropic properties in two directions, high tensile strength, and high modulus of rupture. It also results in larger bond forces and reduces crack spacing and width compared to conventional reinforced concrete. Accordingly, concrete panels (550 x 550 x 300 mm) are reinforced with expanded steel mesh instead of the conventional steel bars and tested through numerical simulation to study the parameters affecting penetration resistance. A Nonlinear
three-dimensional hydrocode numerical simulation was carried out using AUTODYN 3D, which is an extensive code dealing with penetration problems. In the simulation, steel ogivenose projectile with a diameter of 23 mm is fired against concrete panels with striking velocity 990 m/s. Twelve numerical tests were carried out to study the parameters that significantly affect the penetration resistance of reinforced concrete panels. The parameters included are the reinforcement ratio; reinforcement position; and reinforcement distribution. The results showed that using the ferrocement wired mesh decreases the size of damage in the front and rear face of the panels. Increasing the reinforcement ratio has insignificant impact on the penetration resistance while the position and the distribution pattern of reinforcement proved to relatively enhance the penetration resistance.