Performance of utility tunnels under gas explosion loads

Abstract

Gas explosion accidents could lead to great losses of lives and property. Reliable prediction of structural responses under gas explosion loads is essential for developing effective technologies to mitigate the potential hazards of gas explosions. In the present study, numerical studies are conducted to investigate the performance of utility tunnels under gas explosion loads. Numerical models were developed by using LS-DYNA and the accuracy of numerical models in predicting the responses of reinforced concrete (RC) structures subjected to gas explosions was verified by comparing with the testing data. Based on the verified numerical method, the numerical models of utility tunnels under gas explosion loads were established and the effects of load intensity, concrete strength, reinforcement strength and section type on the performance of utility tunnels were analyzed and discussed. It is found that the gas explosion loads with high overpressure peak value can bring about severe damage of tunnels and the failure of inner diaphragms. The influence of concrete strength is limited. Improving reinforcement strength and the confinement of slab-slab joints of the gas compartment can enhance the performance of utility tunnels under gas explosion loads effectively.