Keywords: fibre reinforced concrete, prestressed concrete, dynamic impact load, numerical simulation, nonlinear model, impact resistance, synergy, crack propagation.

Nowadays prestressed concrete is mostly utilized for bridges or similar long-span structures. In recent years the probability that these structures will be loaded by unpredictable dynamic action caused by car accidents or explosions has been increasing rapidly. The correct choice of a material for construction can significantly reduce structure damage, repair costs or it can even save human lives. The latest form of concrete represents fibre reinforced concrete which can be combined with the conventional forms of concrete such as reinforced concrete and prestressed concrete. This combination usually leads to better structural behaviour, physical and mechanical properties induced by the interaction and synergy of each concrete component. This paper presents the experimental tests of prestressed beams exposed to dynamic impact load with the aim to monitor their safety during overloading including structural behaviour and resistance to accidental load which can occur at real structures. The dynamic three point bending tests were carried out on three various concrete composites in a drop weight impact machine. The process of the dynamic tests was also verified by the numerical simulation on a nonlinear model. The experimental tests of the prestressed beams under dynamic impact load clearly showed the benefits of fibrous reinforcement in prestressed concrete.

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