This study investigates the impact resistance enhancement of reinforced concrete beams through the application of an aluminium foam sandwich panel protective layer. Impact tests were conducted on three specimens: an unprotected reinforced concrete beam, one with an aluminium foam protective layer, and another with a sandwich panel protective layer, to analyse their dynamic responses and failure modes. Test results revealed that both the aluminium foam and sandwich panel effectively shielded the reinforced concrete beams from severe damage under impact, leading to a transition in failure pattern from shear to flexure-shear. The beams with the protective layer exhibited lower peak forces and reduced mid-span deformation compared to the unprotected beam. Moreover, the protective effects of the aluminium foam and sandwich panel were found to be nearly equal. This research serves as a valuable reference for designing reinforced concrete beams with a sandwich panel protective layer to enhance resistance against impact loads.