| The analysis of reinforced and prestressed concrete elements under blast and impact loading is drawing the interest of many researchers due to increasing number of natural or human-made hazards that require attention. The analysis methods used are mainly based on either simplified single degree-of-freedom methods or highly sophisticated and complex hydrocodes. Although single degree-of-freedom methods are commonly used by designers for practical reasons, they are incapable of providing detailed results such as deformed shapes and crack maps. Additionally, since they require simplification of the structure to a single degree-of-freedom system, they are difficult to apply to complex geometries. On the other hand, hydrocodes overcome the limitations associated with the simplification of the structure. However, they require highly detailed models which require significantly increased modelling and computational time. Moreover, the accuracy of blast and impact analyses with hydrocodes heavily relies on the material input parameters which are not commonly known. Thus, there remains a need for accurate, simplified and reliable tools for analysis of reinforced and prestressed concrete subjected to blast and impact loading.;The VecTor family of nonlinear finite element programs, using a macro-element smeared rotating crack approach, has been shown to be accurate in predicting the response of shear-critical structures under quasi-static conditions. In this study, two members of this suite, VecTor3 and VecTor6, were adapted for the blast and impact analyses of reinforced and prestressed concrete structures in 3D and axisymmetric conditions, respectively. The results obtained from the simulations were close to those experimentally observed.;Additionally, a semi-analytical formula for the prediction of perforation velocity from missile impact was developed. The formula, which is based on the Modified Compression Field Theory, considers the influence of longitudinal and shear reinforcement in the target differently from other commonly used empirical formulae. The formula was validated with numerous missile impact data available in the literature, and good accuracy was found. |
