Predictions of Localised Damage to Concrete Caused by a Low-Velocity Impact

Abstract

Hillside RC barriers protected by gabion cushion layers are commonly used as passive defence measures to contain landslides and rockfalls. Gabions are expensive and require extensive maintenance. However, the design of gabion-free rockfall barriers cannot be implemented because of the lack of knowledge with the performance of a bare concrete surface when exposed to low-velocity impact hazards. The key contribution of this article is the adaptation, and experimental validation, of a theoretical model based on the principles of solid mechanics for predicting localised damage (denting and spalling) on a concrete surface. The theoretical model, which consists of closed-form expressions, can be e..