Analysis of Blast‐Loaded, Buried RC Arch Response. I: Numerical Approach

Abstract

The physical processes that govern the dynamic interaction between a soil continuum and an abutting or embedded structure are very complex and, often, highly nonlinear, requiring a numerical approach for the solution of such problems. Given the scarcity of experimental studies relative to any particular combination of structure, soil, and loading, the development of efficient analytical/computational tools is important in order to: (1) Understand the complex nonlinear response observed experimentally; (2) perform parametric studies; and (3) develop design guidelines. The approach outlined in this paper represents one attempt at expanding the state‐of‐the‐art in dynamic soil‐structure interaction modeling. In this approach, a hybrid numerical method, which merges the finite difference technique with the finite element method, is combined with a nonlocal continuum damage/plasticity model for concrete, a viscous cap plasticity model for dry sand, and an elastic/strain hardening plasticity model for steel, as described in Part I. (Part II, which immediately follows this paper, presents the application of this approach to the analysis of two soil‐structure systems for which test data are available; in these tests, buried, reinforced concrete arches of different geometries and materials were subjected to surface‐generated blast loads.)