Numerical Simulation of Dynamic Response and Evaluation of Flexural Damage of RC Columns under Horizontal Impact Load

By using the ABAQUS finite element (FE) model, which has been verified by experiments, the deformation and internal force changes of RC columns during the impact process are investigated, and a parametric analysis is conducted under different impact kinetic energies Ek. According to the development path of the bottom bending moment-column top displacement curve under impact, the member is in a slight damage state when the curve rebounds before reaching the peak and in a moderate or severe damage state when the curve exceeds the peak, in which case the specific damage state of the member needs to be determined by examining whether there is a secondary descending stage in the curve. Accordingly, a qualitative method for evaluating the bending failure of RC column members under impact is obtained. In addition, the damage state of RC columns under impact can also be quantitatively evaluated by the ratio of the equivalent static load Feq and the ultimate static load-bearing capacity Fsu.