Consecutive and constant low-velocity drop-weight impact loading tests of cushion rubber set RC beams

Abstract

In this study, in order to cumulate knowledge on impact resistant behavior of the cushion rubber set reinforced concrete (RC) beams, keeping input impact energy constant the RC beams were consecutively subjected to drop-weight impact loads up to reaching the ultimate state. Two kinds of thicknesses for the cushion rubber were taken as variable: 25 mm; and 50 mm. The results obtained from this study were: (1) impact resistant capacity of the RC beams can be increased by setting the cushion rubber because of its flattening and dispersing effects for the high intensity impact force; however, (2) maximum and residual displacements of the RC beams may not decrease because impulse of the impact force does not decrease due to setting the rubber on the beams.