Dynamic Response and Reliability Assessment of Reinforced Concrete Members Under Vehicle and Train Collisions: Quantifying Impact Performance and Damage

This study analyzes the behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) members impacted by vehicles or trains by reviewing existing experimental and numerical work. RC structures are susceptible to such collisions, which can cause structural failure or collapse. The damage response depends on the energy transferred during impact, ranging from cosmetic effects to full structural failure. To properly characterize damage, indices are defined considering concrete and steel strain rates during and after plastic deformation. Concrete spalling is also discussed as an indicator of localized or global failure severity. Experimental results from other studies are presented and compared to theoretical models. The latest provisions for incorporating strain rate sensitivity into material models based on various standards are reviewed. This analysis aims to provide insights for better assessing the reliability of RC members after impacts. Understanding reliability is important for evaluating the safety of damaged structures and mitigating risks. The findings can help practitioners evaluate damaged structures and guide future design to avoid severe outcomes from vehicle and train collisions onto critical infrastructure.