Numerical Study of Pressure Attenuation Effect on Tunnel Structures Subjected to Blast Loads

Abstract

This study used experimental and numerical simulation methods to discuss the attenuation mechanism of a blast inside a tunnel for different forms of a tunnel pressure reduction module under the condition of a tunnel near-field explosion. In terms of the experiment, a small-scale model was used for the explosion experiments of a tunnel pressure reduction module (expansion chamber, one-pressure relief orifice plate, double-pressure relief orifice plate). In the numerical simulation, the pressure transfer effect was evaluated using the ALE fluid–solid coupling and mapping technique. The findings showed that the pressure attenuation model changed the tunnel section to diffuse, reduce, or detour the pressure transfer, indicating the blast attenuation effect. In terms of the effect of blast attenuation, the double-pressure relief orifice plate was better than the one-pressure relief orifice plate, and the single-pressure relief orifice plate was better than the expansion chamber. The expansion chamber attenuated the blast by 30%, the one-pressure relief orifice plate attenuated the blast by 51%, and the double-pressure relief orifice plate attenuated the blast by 82%. The blast attenuation trend of the numerical simulation result generally matched that of the experimental result. The results of this study can provide a reference for future protective designs and reinforce the U.S. Force regulations.

Damage and reliability analysis of double-arch tunnel without a middle pilot tunnel under blast load

“…The other aspect is to conduct research from field experiments. Huang et al 28 used similar scale model experiments to simulate tunnel blasting, as well as explored the attenuation mechanism of explosions in tunnels when under near-field blasting conditions. Cao et al 2 used on-site ultrasonic experiments to analyze the process of vibrational damage accumulation in rocks that were shared by neighboring tunnels, as well as investigated the accumulation of damage in the rocks that were subjected to multiple blasting loads.…”