Simulation of Prestressed Concrete Sandwich Panels Subjected to Blast Loads (Preprint)

Abstract : This paper discusses simulation methodology used to analyze static and dynamic behavior of foam insulated concrete sandwich wall panels through ultimate capacity. The experimental program used for model development and validation involved component-level testing, as well as both static and dynamic testing of full-scale wall panels. The static experiments involved single spans and double spans subjected to near-uniform distributed loading. The dynamic tests involved spans up to 30 ft tall that were subjected to impulse loads generated by an external explosion. Primary modeling challenges included: (1) accurately simulating prestressed initial conditions in an explicit dynamic code framework, (2) simulating the foam insulation in the high strain rate environment, and (3) simulating shear transfer between wythes, including frictional slippage and connector rupture. After validation, the models will be used to conduct additional behavioral studies and parametric analyses, and assess and improve methodology currently used in the design of foam insulated precast/prestressed sandwich panels for blast loads.