Numerical Simulation of Rubberized Metaconcrete under Impact Load

To enhance the dynamic performance of existing concrete-like materials, rubber aggregates were incorporated into a metaconcrete matrix to create a novel impact-resistant material, and the dynamic response of its mesoscopic mechanical model under impact load was simulated. Initially, the content, gradation, distribution, and appropriate material models of the specimen components were systematically calibrated and validated. Subsequently, the wave-damping capacity and the interaction patterns of the components in rubber-based metaconcrete under impact load were analyzed. In particular, the effect of rubber aggregates on the failure modes, damage zones, and extent of damage in metaconcrete under high-amplitude loads was thoroughly examined, and a parameter analysis of the rubber content and particle size was conducted. The numerical results showed that the addition of the rubber aggregates not only makes the damaged area of the concrete show dispersed characteristics, but also effectively reduces the degree of specimen damage. Rubber aggregates enhance the specimen’s toughness and suppress the intensification of damage. However, high rubber content has a detrimental effect on the specimen’s strength, and leads to a trade-off between damage suppression and damage exacerbation. To balance these two effects, it is recommended that rubber aggregates make up 15% to 30% of the total volume of aggregates. These findings demonstrate that incorporating rubber aggregates into metaconcrete can significantly improve its dynamic performance, providing a reference for the design and engineering application of impact-resistant materials in the future.