Abstract:In this study, the dynamic behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) beams under impact loads is simulated considering the rate dependency of concrete mechanical properties. The mechanical properties (e.g. strength, elastic modulus, and fracture energy) of concrete increase under high rates of loading. This increase is often depicted in terms of a dynamic increase factor (DIF) curve. Generally, the DIF value rapidly increases in the regime of high strain rates, greater than 1 s -1 . The rate dependency of concrete has to be considered in the simulation of concrete under impact load. Herein, a three-dimensional dynamic model, comprised of rigid-body-spring elements fitted with rheological units, is validated through comparison with existing experimental results. The validated model is used to simulate the failure of RC beams, which changes under high loading rates. It is shown that the severity of diagonal shear failure increases with loading rate. With further development, the model can be used to understand the behavior of RC structures subjected to various forms of impact loading.