Experimental analysis and numerical simulations of two-way reinforced concrete slabs over different kinds of yielding supports under short-term dynamic loading

This presentation shows the experimental and theoretical results of an investigation carried on reinforced concrete plates under short term dynamic loading. These plates are supported by yielding supports systems placed along their perimeter. An accidental impact load in such an element can be caused by mishaps in industry as well as accidents provide from transportation and artificial disasters, or natural hazards as rock fall. The yielding supports are made of elements with annular cross-section. Their functionality allows operations in elastic and elasto-plastic stages with a further turning to hardening stage. The experimental results showed that the influence of support deformability on the structural response under impact depends on their rigidity and on the deformation stage. The results of numerical simulations are firstly based on a simple mechanical model that qualitatively agrees with the experimental results. Besides, in order to accommodate a more precise numerical simulation, we take advantage of a commercial finite element package ABAQUS/Explicit code and three-dimensional numerical simulations have been performed.