Physical Modeling of Explosive Effects on Tunnels

Published: 14 April, 2010

Physical modeling utilizing a geotechnical centrifuge was done to study the effects of explosions on underground tunnels. Centrifuge modeling allows the study of the effects of a large explosion on prototype scale, through experiments using smaller explosives, using scaled models of actual structures. Blasts scale to the third power of gravity (g). For example a one gram charge in a model subjected to 100 g’s is equal to a ton of prototype (full scale) explosives.

Scaled models of tunnels were tested in a geotechnical centrifuge under various conditions. The tunnels were tested at different burial depths, and tunnels were tested using protective coatings around the tunnels to attempt to mitigate the effects of blasts. Tests were also conducted in dry soil as well as underwater, for example a river bed. The effects of the explosions on the structures were recorded in the form of strain measurements taken at different locations on the underground structures at different times-before, during and after the explosions.

The results of the experiments provide valuable understanding of the effects of surface explosions on underground structures such as tunnels and pipelines. The results are useful for designing new underground structures as well as for developing protective retrofits for existing structures. The results can also be useful for developing, validating and calibrating numerical models.

File: 160-169_Physical Modeling of Explosive Effects on Tunnels.pdf (1319k)

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