Damage assessment and mitigation measures of underwater tunnel subjected to blast loads

Abstract The damage prediction and protective measures of tunnels subjected to blast loads have gained importance in recent years due to increasing accidental events and terrorist attacks. This paper performs numerical modeling to assess the damage characteristics of an underwater tunnel subjected to blast loads and explore the potential mitigation measures. Firstly, a three-dimensional numerical model of an underwater tunnel based on coupled Lagrange and Euler (CLE) method is developed. The accuracy of the CLE method and material models is verified with blast testing data. Subsequently, the dynamic response and damage evolution of the tunnel subjected to underwater explosions are investigated. Potential failure patterns due to various underwater blast loads are explored. Intensive numerical simulations are then carried out to investigate the damage levels of the tunnel. Based on numerical data, empirical relations are suggested to predict the tunnel damage levels based on charge weight and standoff distances. CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced polymer) cloth is used to improve the resistance of the tunnel to underwater explosions. Mitigation effects of different strengthening schemes are investigated, and the optimum strengthening thickness of the CFRP cloth is recommended. The results show that the rigidity and load carrying ability of the tunnel are significantly improved by bonding the CFRP cloth. The recommended thickness of the CFRP cloth is 0.5–0.835 mm.

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