Published online by Cambridge University Press: 25 February 2011
The behaviour under impact loading of concrete beams, reinforced with both smooth and deformed steel reinforcing bars, was studied. Tests were carried out using an instrumented drop-weight impact apparatus, with a 345 kg mass hammer, and drop heights of up to 2.36 m. It was found that, under certain circumstances, the steel reinforcement itself fractured. This behaviour is discussed with reference to the drop height, the type of reinforcement, and the strength of the concrete matrix.