Behaviour of Textile Reinforced Concrete panels under high-velocity impact loading

This study aims to experimentally investigate the impact resistance of Textile Reinforced Concrete (TRC) panels under high-velocity impact loading. 54 control and TRC panels were fabricated using a standard (29 MPa) and a high (101 MPa) compressive strength concrete, as well as Ultra-High-Performance Fibre Reinforced Cementitious Composites (UHPFRCCs) (132 MPa). 36 out of 54 TRC panels were reinforced with carbon and glass textiles. The mechanical properties of all types of composite systems were investigated under four-point bending test. All specimens were subjected to a high-velocity impact load from a hemispherical steel projectile travelling with an initial impact velocity ranging from ∼60 m.s −1 to ∼160 m.s −1 . A high-speed camera was used to track the projectile and record the impact process. The level of impact damage to the TRC panels was quantified by the mass loss, penetration depth and scabbing diameter. The results demonstrated that the standard compressive strength concrete had a flexural toughness 17 % higher than that of the higher compressive strength. The most efficient system in reducing crack propagation and local damage against high-velocity (160 m.s −1 ) projectile impact load was the UHPFRCCs reinforced with carbon textiles, resulting in maximum penetration depth 25 % lower compared to unreinforced UHPFRCCs panels. • We investigate the impact resistance of Textile Reinforced Concrete (TRC) panels. • We investigate the effect of concrete strength and type of textile on impact resistance. • The UHPFRCCs reinforced with carbon textiles were the most effective against high-velocity impact. • Existing empirical formulas for predicting penetration depth were found to be insufficient for samples with reinforcement.