In the world of construction and energy infrastructure, ensuring the safety and resilience of structures against extreme impacts is paramount. A recent study led by Delei Zou from the College of Civil Engineering at Dalian Minzu University in China has shed new light on how reinforced concrete-steel liner (RC-SL) composite structures behave under tube-type missile impacts, offering valuable insights for the energy sector.
The research, published in *Case Studies in Construction Materials* (translated from Chinese as “典型建筑材料研究案例”), involved a combination of experimental tests and numerical simulations to understand the dynamic response and damage mechanisms of RC-SL composites. Zou and his team conducted large-caliber impact tests on eight different RC-SL specimens, using a single-stage gas gun to simulate missile impacts. “Our goal was to identify the characteristic damage patterns and develop strategies to enhance the impact resistance of these structures,” Zou explained.
The study revealed several key damage mechanisms, including front-side craters, rear-face spalling, tensile tearing, bulging, and localized buckling. To mitigate these issues, the researchers explored various design optimizations, such as rear-mounted steel liners and welded stud-rebar mesh. These modifications were found to significantly improve energy dissipation and interfacial load transfer, making the structures more resilient.
One of the most compelling aspects of the research was the development and validation of finite element (FE) models. These models accurately predicted displacement, acceleration, and damage patterns, providing a powerful tool for future design and analysis. “The FE models allowed us to simulate and evaluate the performance of RC-SL structures under different impact scenarios,” Zou noted. “This is crucial for ensuring the safety and reliability of energy infrastructure.”
To demonstrate the practical applications of their findings, the researchers used the validated FE model to evaluate the safety of a 1.6×10^5 m³ LNG storage tank dome under industry-standard missile impact scenarios. The analysis showed that a 400 mm-thick dome could sustain only localized damage, with penetration depths ranging from 30 to 160 mm, surface crater diameters between 10 to 50 mm, and rear collapse area diameters spanning from 500 to 900 mm. These results confirmed that the dome maintained both structural integrity and air tightness under such threats.
The implications of this research for the energy sector are significant. As the demand for LNG and other energy infrastructure continues to grow, ensuring the safety and resilience of these structures is more important than ever. The findings from Zou’s study provide a robust framework for the design and failure analysis of RC-SL protective structures, enhancing the reliability of engineering applications.
“This research not only advances our understanding of impact resistance in composite structures but also offers practical solutions for improving the safety of energy infrastructure,” Zou said. “It sets a strong foundation for future developments in the field.”
As the energy sector continues to evolve, the insights gained from this study will be invaluable in shaping the design and construction of safer, more resilient structures. By leveraging the power of experimental testing and numerical simulation, researchers and engineers can continue to push the boundaries of what is possible, ensuring a safer and more sustainable future for all.