Blast-resistant performance of UHPFRC: An experimental study and optimal steel fiber content

Abstract

This paper investigates the blast-resistant behavior of Ultra-High Performance Fiber-Reinforced Concrete (UHPFRC) slabs through close-in detonation tests. The UHPFRC was produced using locally sourced materials from Vietnam. A total of five slabs, with varying volume fractions of steel fibers ranging from 0% to 3%, were tested. Four of the slabs incorporated steel mesh, while one slab contained 2% steel fibers without steel mesh. All slabs had identical dimensions, measuring 1000 mm in length, 1000 mm in width, and 60 mm in thickness. The blast effect was simulated using a TNT explosive with a mass of 0.55 kg. Close-in detonation tests were conducted, and the resulting slab damage was measured and analyzed. The performance of the UHPFRC slabs was assessed using two key metrics: damage and blast resistance coefficients. The test results indicated that the level of damage in slabs exposed to blasts can be reduced by incorporating steel fiber content ranging from 1% to 3%. Moreover, slabs with 2% steel fiber content in UHPFRC, fabricated using local materials, exhibited both high blast resistance and cost-effectiveness. Additionally, the inclusion of steel mesh helped reduce damages in UHPFRC panels subjected to close-in detonations. The experimental results presented in this paper provide valuable insights into the behavior of UHPFRC slabs with varying fiber content when subjected to close-in explosions and can serve as a basis for future calculations and research.