Comparative assessment of impact resistance of SC and RC panels using finite element analysis

In this paper, the impact resistance of steel-plate concrete (SC) and reinforced concrete (RC) panels is evaluated using the commercial software LS-DYNA. The structural components and their contacts are fully modeled in the analysis, and the material nonlinearity and strain rate effect for concrete and steel are considered. The analysis results of SC and half steel-plate concrete (HSC) panels under impact loading are compared with the test results conducted in previous research in order to determine the main factors influencing the analysis. The impact analyses as per four different concrete thicknesses with five different steel ratios are performed in order to compare the impact resistance of the SC and RC panels. Failure mode, damage size, and displacement of the SC and RC panels are investigated. The results show that the SC panel has better impact resistance than the RC panel. Finally, the impact analyses for optimal panel design are performed, and the optimal concrete thickness and steel ratio are recommended.