ABSTRACT
The effects of a surface explosion on underground structures were studied in a series of centrifuge model tests. All tests were conducted at 70 g, on 1:70 scale models and the effects observed were those due to a prototype explosion caused by 0.9 tons of TNT equivalent at 1 g. Strains measured at different locations of the model structure showed dependence on the thickness and the nature of the cover material separating the structure from the explosion. The use of a compressible protective barrier, composed of polyurethane geofoam, was found to mitigate the effects of explosion to some extent. Tests with underwater explosion showed that strains induced on the structure, as well as excess pore water pressure generated in the soil due to the explosion, both increased with increasing height of free water.
