Numerical study on dynamic response of submerged tunnel subjected to underwater explosion. Issue 156 (May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yang, Guangdong; Fan, Yong; Wang, Gaohui; Gao, Qidong; Deng, Ke; Wang, Fei
• Is Part Of: Soil dynamics and earthquake engineering. Issue 156(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-05
• Subjects: Submerged tunnel -- Underwater explosion -- Dynamic behavior -- Damage assessment; Soil dynamics -- Periodicals; Earthquake engineering -- Periodicals; Sols -- Dynamique -- Périodiques; Génie parasismique -- Périodiques; 624.176205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.soildyn.2022.107216
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0267-7261

Abstract

Abstract: Recently, blasting effects on important infrastructures have been considered because of the increasing number of intentional and unintentional explosion events worldwide. In this study, we performed numerical simulations on the dynamic response of a submerged tunnel subjected to underwater explosions. The feasibility and accuracy of the numerical method were verified against the experimental data. The propagation process of the shock waves and dynamic response of the submerged tunnel were obtained. The effects of the cover layer, charge weight, and cover thickness on the response of the submerged tunnel were investigated. The results indicate that the upper part of the tunnel is more vulnerable, and the existence of the cover layer can effectively mitigate blast loads on the tunnel. Additionally, a cover thickness of 25 m should be considered to ensure the safety of a submerged tunnel when subjected to an explosion of 300 kg TNT. Highlights: Multi-material computer model is used to study blast response of submarine tunnel. The presented numerical method is calibrated against experimental data. The factors influencing the dynamic behavior of the tunnel are investigated. Suggestions about improving the blast resistance of the tunnel are offered.