1
Return

Large-scale experimental study on influence of gas explosions in urban utility tunnels

delete2026-05-20
delete0
delete
OA
AI
R
Ruida Huang
H
Hongwei Huang *
H
Hengdong Wang
Y
Yuanlong Meng
B
Bo Zhang
DOI:10.1016/j.undsp.2026.03.008delete
deleteOriginal
deleteShare
deleteSave
View PDF
Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
Gas explosion in an urban utility tunnel is a crucial safety issue which may cause heavy casualties and economic losses. In this study, a series of gas explosion experiments were conducted on a large-scale concrete utility tunnel structure (10 m in length) to evaluate overpressure, structural responses, and impact on the surrounding environment under varying methane volume concentrations and venting conditions. Time history characteristics of explosion overpressure, structural displacement, acceleration of structure, and adjacent ground motion were recorded. Results indicated that the maximum overpressure was observed at stoichiometric volume concentration (9.5%), which similarly corresponded to structural responses and ground motions intensity. Comparative experiment between unconfined and confined gas explosions revealed that while the latter exhibited longer duration, the maximum overpressure magnitudes remained identical between both scenarios. Furthermore, a significant pressure increase was observed near boundary regions, attributed to the accumulation of ignited gas mixture and energy, which can be mitigated through the implementation of a top vent. Additionally, the presence of soil and vibration isolation walls adjacent to the utility tunnel demonstrated a significant reduction in acceleration magnitudes resulting from gas explosion events.
Keywords:
Gasexplosionexperiment
Overpressure
Structuralresponse
Vent
Vibrationisolation
AI Summary

AI Summary

Key information extracted from the uploaded paper, including a brief overview, abstract, background, key highlights, visual analysis, and future outlook.

Journal

Underground Space cover
Underground Space
IF:
8.3
Papers:
668
Citations:
2.9K

Organization

T
tongji university
Scholars:
7.5W
Papers: 5.8W
Citations: 98
Cited Papers

Cited Papers

Citing Papers

Citing Papers