Enhanced single degree-of-freedom models for predicting slab responses to blasts

Single degree-of-freedom (SDOF) models are often used in the design of reinforced concrete components subjected to blast loads. In this paper, an extensive comparison of the responses computed by enhanced SDOF models for two-way reinforced concrete slabs are compared to experimental data and virtual data generated from high-fidelity physics based finite element models. The virtual data is generated by the DYNA3D finite element code using material models specifically modified to capture behaviors associated with blast loadings (e.g., rate effects and softening). For the class of reinforced concrete slabs studied, SDOF models significantly under predict the response to blast loads, and as such are not design conservative. In particular, the virtual data provides valuable insights into the behaviors lacking in the SDOF model as well as a means to correct the SDOF model so that it can more nearly match the experimental and virtual data. These correlations, which are described in the paper, point the way to revitalizing the SDOF methodology.