ABSTRACT
Abstract The response of structures and materials to impact loading is an important area of research for civil and military engineers because, although severe impacts occur infrequently and in random locations, they can, occasionally, lead to catastrophic structural failure. When impacted, concrete exhibits an increase in its uni-axial compressive strength compared to its equivalent static strength. Also, if concrete is confined it exhibits an increase in its load carrying capacity. Experimental work has been undertaken on concrete cylinders confined by tubes of mild steel, aluminium and PVC plastic, using a low velocity hard impact test facility in Trinity College Dublin. The presence of confinement has resulted in considerable increase in the compressive strength of the impacted concrete cylinders. This paper describes how Hertzian contact theory is used to model the contact force response of concrete cylinders and shows a comparison between the model and experimental results. Keywords: Concrete, contact force, hard impact, Hertz's Law, tri-axial confinement.
