Modified empirical formulas for predicting the thickness of RC panels under impact loading

Most existing empirical formulas available in the current literature do not take into account the effect of reinforcement in predicting penetration depth and perforation thickness of reinforced concrete (RC) panels subjected to impact loads. In this paper, novel modified empirical formulas are proposed for better prediction. For the purpose of this study, finite element (FE) simulation using a commercial software LS-DYNA is employed. A nonlinear model of materials involving the strain rate effect is considered. Recent impact test results are used for the validation of FE results. Parametric analysis with different longitudinal and shear rebar ratios is then performed to investigate their influence on the penetration depth and perforation thickness of RC panels and to derive the modified empirical formulas. It is shown that the proposed formulas accurately predict the penetration depth and perforation thickness of the RC panels subjected to the impact with velocities in the range of 50 m/s-250 m/s.