Masters Theses

Abstract

"One of the most commonly used materials for protective structures and construction is traditional reinforced concrete. However, in a blast, conventional reinforced concrete (RC) is susceptible to significant spalling (small to medium size chunks of concrete detaching from the original member). The force of the blast turns spalled concrete into projectiles, resulting in secondary fragmentation and the majority of loss of life. Furthermore, the concrete debris makes for difficult and uncertain footing. Both phenomena endanger personnel and complicate post-blast recovery efforts. A very promising but barely explored change to conventional RC construction is the addition of "long" carbon fibers (fibers measuring more than 2 in. (51 mm) long) to the concrete mixture to improve the blast and impact resistance.

In this study, the researchers completed testing on both fibers and resins to ensure they possessed the desired resiliency and dispersability characteristics. Once the researchers were satisfied with the fiber properties, a concrete-fiber composite was developed and used for the remaining testing done in the study. Panels underwent comparative impact and blast testing to determine the performance increase with the fibers added to the concrete matrix.

After testing, it was apparent that the introduction of 4 in. by 3/8 in. (102 by 9.5 mm) fibers provided the energy dissipation to greatly reduce the effects of a blast event. The concrete specimens with fibers exhibited less spalling and lost significantly less material that the conventional reinforced concrete specimens. These promising results demonstrate the potential for safer protective structures and increased safety for other structures currently constructed with conventional reinforced concrete"--Abstract, page iii.

Advisor(s)

Volz, Jeffery S.

Committee Member(s)

Myers, John
Baird, Jason, 1955-

Department(s)

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Civil Engineering

Sponsor(s)

Leonard Wood Institute

Publisher

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Publication Date

Spring 2011

Pagination

xii, 158 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (pages 155-157).

Rights

© 2011 Benjamin Paul Gliha, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Subject Headings

Fiber-reinforced concrete -- TestingHazard mitigationBlast effect

Thesis Number

T 10192

Print OCLC #

863047704

Electronic OCLC #

908689688

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