Published: Građevinar 78 (2026) 7
Paper type: Scientific research paper
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Mechanical behavior and damage evolution of high-strength concrete under impact loading
Abstract
High-strength concrete (HSC) is widely utilised in impact-resistant and blast-protective structures owing to its superior strength. However, its dynamic mechanical response and cumulative damage evolution under single and repeated impact loading require further clarification, particularly regarding impact pulse duration and strain rate effects. This study investigates the influence of strain rate and striker length on the dynamic mechanical behaviour and damage evolution of C80 HSC. A Ø75 mm split Hopkinson pressure bar system was used to conduct single- and repeated-impact tests at different impact velocities, with 400 mm, 600 mm, and 800 mm strikers. Ultrasonic pulse velocity measurements evaluated damage evolution during repeated impacts, revealing that the fragmentation of the failure modes of C80 HSC intensified with increasing strain rates. The dynamic compressive strength and maximum strain increased with the strain rate, whereas the dynamic elastic modulus remained relatively stable within a certain range. Increasing the striker length prolonged the pulse duration while increasing peak stress and the elastic modulus.
Keywordshigh-strength concrete, split hopkinson pressure bar, dynamic mechanical properties, cumulative damage evolution, repeated impact loading
