Numerical study of RC slab failure mechanisms under varying blast loads

Abstract

Although reinforced concrete (RC) slab responses to blasts are widely studied and well-documented, existing research often overlooks the sequential progression of failure modes and cracking development across a broad range of blast intensities. Addressing this gap, this research develops a high-fidelity finite element (FE) model validated against field test data for three different TNT charges. The model provides unprecedented detail in capturing damage progression, identifying key modes such as back-face cracking, front-face cracking, scabbing, and spalling. The study further defines four damage limits (DL1-DL4) corresponding to these failure modes, establishing a clear relationship between scaled distance and structural deflection. These results offer a physically consistent framework for predicting damage progression and provide practical reference criteria for blast-resistant RC design.