Impact response and optimization of reinforced concrete slabs under dynamic loading: A finite element analysis study

This study investigates the behaviour of reinforced concrete (RC) slabs under impact loading using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) in ABAQUS/CAE. A 760 mm × 760 mm × 76 mm RC slab model was developed with material properties calibrated for both linear and nonlinear behaviour using the Drucker-Prager plasticity model. Simulations were conducted across boundary conditions, impact velocities, and reinforcement configurations. Results revealed that maximum displacement occurred in slabs with one side fixed (12.4 mm) compared to fully fixed slabs (6.8 mm). Boundary conditions significantly influenced stress distribution, with maximum von Mises stress recorded at 38.5 MPa for the cantilever case and 25.2 MPa for fully fixed conditions. Increasing impact velocity from 4500 mm/s to 7200 mm/s increased displacement from 8.6 mm to 14.1 mm and stress from 22.4 MPa to 41.7 MPa, stabilizing beyond 6500 mm/s. Replacing traditional reinforcement with a steel plate reduced displacement by 22 % and improved stress distribution, while reducing the steel plate volume by 40 % resulted in a 15 % increase in displacement. These findings underscore the importance of boundary conditions, material non-linearity, and optimized reinforcement design for predicting RC slab responses under dynamic loads, offering key insights for improving structural resilience in high-impact scenarios.