Abstract: In order to study the impact resistance and damage mechanism of reinforced concrete deep beams under low-speed impact, the structural response of deep beams at different impact speeds was simulated by finite element software ANSYS/LS-DYNA. The dynamic damage process and the damage distribution of the cross section of the deep beam were analyzed, and the damage of it was quantitatively evaluated by the section damage factor. The influence of boundary conditions and impact position on the impact resistance and damage of deep beams were further analyzed. The analysis results show that the model established is capable of simulating the dynamic response of deep beams under low-speed impact reasonably, under which circumstance, the damage is formed in local area firstly, and then, it expands to the whole structure, the local damage increases again at the impact position ultimately. The impact velocity has a significant influence on the local damage degree at the impact position. Strengthening boundary conditions can improve the bearing capacity of deep beams under low-speed impact and reduce damage degree. The impact position has a significant impact on the vertical deformation and damage position of the deep beam, while it has little influence on the damage degree.

Key words: reinforced concrete deep beam, low velocity impact, damage evaluation, boundary condition, impact location