Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Blast Wave Attenuation by Using Barriers in Different Configurations and Shapes

AbstractExplosions that occur in or near corridor-like structures, such as mines, industrial complexes and refineries, urban tunnels, and underground bunkers, can result in fatalities as well as severe damage to the structure and equipment. As a result, it is necessary to reduce the blast wave or reduce the load caused by an explosion inside such structures. The interaction of the blast wave with barriers in different shapes, sizes, and configurations inside a corridor pathway can dramatically reduce the load caused by the blast, which is the main objective of this manuscript. Initially, the attenuation effect of triangular barriers within the tunnel is studied through numerical simulations and a reduced-scale experiment on a scale of 1∶60 is performed to verify the accuracy and reliability of the numerical model. Next, a series of numerical studies are conducted to thoroughly quantify the effects of the cross-section geometry, arrangement, and size of the barriers on the structure’s performance subjected to blast loading. In addition to the satisfactory agreement between numerical and experimental results, it has been demonstrated that blast pressure waves can be reduced by up to 50% by implementing a suitable barriers configuration and geometry, even though the worst conditions are covered by just 23% of the tunnel’s cross section. Due to the various parameters examined in this study, the results can be applied to a wide range of cases considering the operating conditions to enhance the security and safety of the structure.