Prediction of dynamic shear and maximum displacement of clamped reinforced concrete beams subjected to impact loading

•Novel approach to predict RC beam shear forces and deflection under impact loading.•Integrates wave propagation, membrane actions and time-dependent acceleration.•High accuracy model validated against experimental and simulation data.•Design charts for quick prediction of shear force and deflection due to impact.•Practical tools for engineers to enhance RC beam safety against impacts. This paper presents a novel approach for predicting the dynamic shear forces and the maximum displacement of clamped reinforced concrete (RC) beams subjected to impact loading. By integrating wave propagation effects, membrane actions and the time-dependent acceleration distribution into the analysis, the study presents an improved approach based on single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) analysis and overcomes the limitations of conventional SDOF method. The proposed model is validated against experimental data and finite-element simulations, demonstrating its reliability and accuracy in predicting dynamic response. Based on the validated model, a series of design charts are generated facilitating quick predictions of the maximum shear force at support and the maximum displacement of RC beams under impact, offering practical tools for engineers to enhance the safety and resilience of RC beams against impact loading.