Review of Effects of Loading Rate on Concrete in Compression

A survey of the behavior of concrete subjected to dynamic loading is presented. Since the mechanical properties of materials are functions of the rate of loading, they need to be determined with respect to straining rate in order to accurately predict the behavior of a reinforced concrete structure subjected to dynamic loads. Provisions for seismic design in current design codes are developed on the basis of results obtained from quasi-static tests mainly because the test results available are insufficient and inconclusive. The response of concrete to high straining rates is reviewed and discussed. The strain-rate effect is inversely proportional to the strength of concrete. As rate of loading increases, compressive strength, modulus of elasticity, and the slope of the descending portion of the stress-strain curve of concrete increase.