Numerical Study on Damage Mechanism of PRC T-Beam under Close-In Blast Loading

The RC beam damage induced by blast loading might lead to partial or total collapse of bridges. Improved understanding of damage mechanism of the RC beam under blast loading helps advances in the analysis and assessment of bridge damage effects. In this paper, the damage mechanism of prestressed reinforced concrete (PRC) T-beam under close-in blast loading is investigated numerically with a three-dimensional numerical model. The model is validated by comparing simulating results with the experimental data reported by other researchers. Intensive numerical simulations are then carried out to reproduce the damage process of the T-beam as well as to investigate the damage mode and mechanism of the PRC T-beam components.