Analysis of the Strength of Concrete to Ballistic Impact

Abstract

This research is a bibliographic review, based on proven scientific studies and using the discursive qualitative analysis. The objective of this compendium is to provide up-to-date information to construction professionals, regarding the execution of works that need to maintain the physical integrity of their occupants, be they government agencies structures (barracks, detachments, police stations), private security such as guardhouses of buildings, or even walls of residences close to banking institutions and/or conflict areas (communities), which are subject to being hit by shots of high-destructive firearms. The revised studies investigate the strength of concrete when subjected to ballistic impacts, and demonstrate that the compressive strength of concrete, the types of aggregates and the position of the reinforcement, effectively contribute to the increase of concrete resistance and reduction of its pathologies. In addition, it was found that the use of steel fibres, application of steel mesh armature on the front and back face, increased thickness of masonry and compressive strength of concrete, contribute to a more effective resistance to possible ballistic impacts.