Blast responses and damage evaluation of CFRP tubular arches

摘要

Concrete-filled carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) tubular arches have been constructed as the load carrying structure for bridge engineering over the last decade in the US. To investigate the dynamic responses under blast loading, four scaled tubular arches with different CFRP strengthening ratios and concrete strength were researched. The TNT explosive remained 2.0 kg while the standoff distance was set as 0.76 m and 0.4 m, respectively. The damage modes of the tested arches were observed. The dynamic responses including displacement histories and reflected pressures were recorded. According to experimental results, blast-resistance of tubular arches could be enhanced by improving the CFRP strengthening ratios and concrete strength. In addition, residual load capacities of these arches were tested. A factor to evaluate the damage of the arches under explosion is defined. Simplified theoretical models were suggested and discussed, which can be used to predict the ultimate load of the arches. Both the blast test and the subsequent residual load capacity test reveal that this composite tubular arch has the potential to be constructed as underground protective structures. (C) 2018 Published by Elsevier Ltd.