Lessons from Explosive Tests on RC Buried Arches

Abstract

The response of shallow‐buried reinforced concrete arches under the effects of severe pressure‐time histories that are applied to the free surface is addressed, examined, and discussed. Results from, primarily, three test series are presented and evaluated in light of the known structural behavior and conclusions are drawn about the response of these structures. In the first part of the paper, the writers present the background for the problem and a general overview of past research activities in this area. In the second part of the paper, the emphasis is on four tests, which are presented and discussed in detail. The observed behavioral differences between different types of arches, the effects of two major sources of dynamic loads, and soil‐structure interaction are considered. The conclusions drawn herein are aimed at providing insight into the behavior of buried reinforced concrete arches under dynamic loads and some thoughts on future research in this important area.