Dynamic Analysis of Tunnel in Soil Subjected to Internal Blast Loading

Abstract

The present work deals with the three-dimensional nonlinear finite element (FE) analyses of the tunnel in soil subjected to internal blast loading. The analyses are performed using the coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian analysis tool in FE software Abaqus/Explicit. The soil and reinforced concrete lining are modeled using the Lagrangian elements. The explosive Trinitrotoluene (TNT) is modeled using the Eulerian elements. The stress–strain response of soil, concrete, and reinforcement are simulated using strain rate dependent Drucker–Prager plasticity, concrete damaged plasticity and Johnson–Cook (J–C) plasticity models, respectively. The pressure–volume relationship of the TNT explosive is simulated using the Jones-Wilkins-Lee equation of state. Parametric sensitivity studies have been performed for different (1) tunnel lining thicknesses, (2) explosive charge weights and (3) angles of internal friction of soil. It is observed from the results that blast induced pressure on the tunnel lining increases with the increase in charge weight. Both the lining and the surrounding soil undergo significant deformation. The deformation of the tunnel lining increases with increasing charge weight and decreases with increasing lining thickness and increasing the angle of internal friction of soil. Blast-induced velocity in soil attenuates with increasing distance from the source of the blast.