| The finite element method provides an effective numerical approach for the modeling of structural problems involving impact loads. As a result of the impact loads reaching their peak intensity in extremely short durations of time, material nonlinearities and strain-rate effects play an important role in the analysis.; A numerical approach based on finite element formulation is introduced to solve two-dimensional planar structural problems involving direct impact.; As for material modeling, the theory of viscoplasticity is used to model the behavior of both the structure and mass under impact loads. Viscoplasticity theory allows the modeling of time rate effects during plastic deformation, such that after initial yielding plastic flow as well as the resulting stresses and strains are time dependent.; The sensitivity of the structural response to dynamic parameters and material modeling is demonstrated through a parametric study performed on illustrative structures.; Finally, the analysis of plain and reinforced concrete bridge barriers under impact loads is performed. The proposed analytical model is able to simulate the response of full scale structures to impact loading. By varying the characteristics of both the structure and impacting mass, good agreement between experimental and analytical results is obtained. |
