Experimental Study of Blast Resistance on BFRP Bar-Reinforced Cellular Concrete Slabs Fabricated with Millimeter-Sized Saturated SAP

An innovative cellular concrete procured with sat-SAP (superabsorbent polymer) is introduced. Combined with BFRP bars, this concrete may play a role as protective structures in marine applications. Eight BFRP-reinforced cellular concrete slabs (BSs) and three steel-reinforced normal concrete slabs (SPs) are exposed to simulated blast loadings in a shock tube device. Low-modulus cellular concrete and BFRP bars cause BSs to exhibit distinctive behaviours compared to those of SPs. BSs, which are more flexible at the same reinforcement ratio, have more intensive vibrations and larger deformations compared to SPs under various blast loadings. In addition to the porous structure of cellular concrete, BSs demonstrate better wave-attenuating and energy-absorbing abilities. More severe damage such as cracks, deflections, and breaches is observed for BSs. In the current research, a comprehensively superior blast resistance can be achieved through improving reinforcement ratio to promote serviceability.