Design and Full Scale Trial of a Large Span Arch Explosive Storehouse
Abstract
As part of an investigation into the development of more cost effective explosives storehouses, the Australian Department of Defence have conducted a number of trials to confirm the performance of large span circular arch explosives storehouses at Woomera. The storehouses consisted of a proprietary profiled light gauge steel arch faced with sprayed concrete. The light gauge steel shell thus acted as expendable formwork and also contributed to the reinforcement of the arch. The resulting structure was covered with earthfill in accordaflce with standard specifications. In two previous trials, three 13 m span receptor arch structures successfully withstood the blast effects generated by the detonation of 75,000 kg TNT. More recently the performance of a new 23 m span arch explosives storehouse was examined. The new receptor was located at minimum side to side separation distance from one of the 13 m arch structures remaining from the earlier trials. The receptor structure survived the blast with only limited damage. Measured blast loads on the receptor, although less than the blast load criteria adopted in the design, are considered representative of the blast load environment to be expected. Analytical response predictions were found to be broadly in agreement with the measured values. The structure has now been approved for use as an igloo by the Australian Deface Forces.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA515504
Entities
People
- G. Horoschun
Organizations
- Australian Defence Force Academy