BLAST RESPONSE OF UNDERGROUND STRUCTURES SUBJECTED TO EXTERNAL EXPLOSION – A REVIEW

Abstract

Recent experiences believe that the complex underground structures response in a different manner when subjected to blast explosion compared to the aboveground structures. The underground structures have experienced significant structural and non-structural damages due to blast explosion. The blast response of underground structures depends on various uncertainties parameters such as weight of the explosion charge, distance from the blasting source, properties of the surrounding soil, structural type and geometric. In this study, a review of various numerical approaches adopted in investigating the response of underground structures when subjected to external blast loads is presented. In particular, the efficiency of numerical techniques in predicting the dynamic blast response of underground structures is critically discussed. The review includes a comparison of the adopted methodology and the influence of uncertainties parameters (e.g. structural typology, soil condition, explosive charge) on modifying the predicted damage of the structures. Furthermore, the advantages and effectiveness of the numerical method in predicting the blast response of such structures are included.