Design Criteria for Soil Cover Over Box-Shaped Ammunition Magazines
Abstract
Theory is formulated for effects of an internal explosion on the dynamic response and behavior of the earth-bermed roof of box-shaped ammunition storage magazines. The theory considers the ratio of charge weight to magazine volume, scaled vent area of the magazine, depth and density of soil cover, characteristics of the roof slab, and the net explosive weight of storage. Predictions from theory are correlated with experimental data derived from field tests in which HE charges were detonated inside small-scale, box-shaped ammunition magazines. Test variables were depth of soil cover, soil density, and net explosive weight. Excellent agreement was found between the measured and predicted response of the roof over the entire history of response. Theory is translated into design criteria for the minimum depth of soil cover required over the roof of a box magazine in order to mitigate the debris hazard and/or contain explosion effects from an inadvertent explosion. Problem solutions are presented to illustrate applications of the theory and design criteria. Results have positive implications in the future design and siting of ready service and special weapons magazines and missile test cells which typically have a small ratio of net explosive weight to magazine volume. Further, results offer a rational basis for designing physical security and survivability attributes into construction standards which deviate from established standards without degrading the level of explosives safety.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1980
- Accession Number
- ADA089300
Entities
People
- L. C. Nichols
- W. A. Keenan
Organizations
- Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center