Experimental and Numerical Studies on Ground Shock Generated by Large Equivalent Surface Explosions

Abstract

Lately, explosions with a large TNT equivalent have occurred with alarming frequency causing severe structural damage. The damage suffered by these structures has been exacerbated by the ground shock generated during these large equivalent explosions. The aim of this work is to study the ground-shock propagation behaviors, the areas affected by them, and determine the minimum safe distance for various structures. To measure ground shock data at different distances from the epicenter of the blast, actual 1 t and 10 t TNT surface explosion experiments were performed. The velocity and attenuation coefficient of the ground shock generated by the 1 t TNT surface explosion were determined, and the empirical equations provided by the UFC 3-340-01 standard were validated. Additionally, numerical analyses were performed to analyze the effects of ground shocks on buildings around an explosion. The maximum particle vibration velocities and attenuation behaviors of a 10 t TNT surface explosion as well as the minimum safe distances for a variety of structures were obtained from the numerical analyses.