Abstract
The main components of underwater explosion loads are the shock wave and bubble pulsation. However, there are few studies on the combined effects of shock wave and bubble pulsation on the dynamic response of concrete gravity dams (CGDs). In this study, a 1:100 scaled-down model of a CGD was designed, and ten tests were conducted. The load characteristics of the shock wave and bubble pulsation, and the acceleration and velocity time histories of the CGD caused by underwater explosions were recorded. The distribution laws of peak acceleration and velocity in the CGD due to shock wave and bubble pulsation were analyzed. Additionally, the influence of standoff distance, explosive weight, and detonation depth on the dynamic response of the CGD was systematically discussed. The study also explored the mitigation effects of bubble curtain on the CGD’s response to underwater explosion. Findings reveal that the peak pressure generated by bubble pulsation represents approximately 10.41–15.03 % of that by the shock wave, and the impulse from the bubble pulsation is nearly equivalent to that of shock wave. Contact or near-field explosion shock wave induces a strong local response in the dam, with maximum acceleration occurring directly opposite the detonation. In contrast, the shock wave causes the overall response of the dam during far-field explosion, with maximum acceleration at the junction between the dam head and body. Bubble pulsation predominantly affects the dam’s overall response. The average ratio of peak acceleration induced by bubble pulsation to that induced by shock wave is 4.69–17.11 %, and the average ratio of peak velocity ranges from 13.08 to 36.27 %. The response of the CGD caused by the explosion suspended in water is notably greater than that caused by a bottom explosion. Bubble curtains can reduce peak acceleration due to shock wave by 93.8–97.26 %, and almost completely shield against bubble pulsation.
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