Papers by Author: Yousef Al-Salloum

Abstract: The strategic concrete structures are often required to resist impact loads arising from the projectile strike, falling weight, blast generated missile etc. The existing structures found deficient in resisting these loads are required to be retrofitted whereas the upcoming structures are required to be designed for expected impact loads. This paper explores the ways of strengthening existing reinforced concrete (RC) structures using externally bonded carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) sheets and improving the impact resistance of concrete by mixing hybrid fibers in its production. The impact response of concrete structures is assessed using experiments involving the impact of projectiles of different nose shapes on slab specimens. The material behavior at high strain rate is established using split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) testing at varying strain rates. Analytical models are developed for predicting penetration depth, scabbing thickness, ballistic limit velocity and ejected mass. The experimental results were also validated through numerical modeling using LS-DYNA.

Abstract: This paper presents the test results of an experimental study that investigates the durability of a new generation of Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) bars. A total of 60 GFRP bars were embedded in concrete prisms and exposed to ten environmental conditions for 6 and 12 months. The environments included exposure to ordinary tap water, sea water, and alkaline solution at two temperatures (room and 50°C). The environments also included two typical field conditions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Gulf area and Riyadh area). The performance of the GFRP bars was evaluated by conducting tensile tests on the bars extracted out of the concrete specimens after exposure to the environmental conditions. After 12 months of exposure, the test results showed that the tap water at 50°C had the maximum effect on the tensile strength of the GFRP bars. The two field conditions did not show any harmful effect on the tensile properties of the bars after 12 months of exposure.