Experimental investigation of steel fiber reinforced concrete slabs subjected to underwater contact explosions

Fiber reinforced concrete has gained significant attention due to its higher ductility and flexural behavior, making it a promising material for resisting extreme loads such as those caused by blast and impact. In this study, we present experimental results from static tests conducted on steel fiber reinforced concrete with different content of hooked end steel fibers and concrete strength. Underwater contact explosion tests were performed for 6 pieces of 50 cm × 50 cm x 6 cm steel fiber reinforced concrete slabs. The damage patterns observed in the slabs were analyzed, and shock pressure data was measured and compared with empirical formula calculations. Test results demonstrate that the addition of steel fiber effectively enhances the compressive and tensile strength of concrete while also significantly improving its anti-explosion capacity. In contrast, the plain concrete slab (control group) displayed an overall state of failure during underwater contact explosions. Steel fiber reinforced concrete slabs primarily experienced bending failure and “Y" crack damage, accompanied by local collapse failure on the back surface. Overall, these findings suggest that steel fiber reinforced concrete holds great promise as a superior material for resisting extreme loads, particularly in marine environments.