Analysis of an RC Flat Roof ECM under an Accidental Explosion from an Adjacent ECM

Authors

  • Rajendra Prasad Bohara Construction and Maintenance Technology Research Center, School of Civil Engineering and Technology, Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology, Thammasat University, Thailand; Karagozian & Case (K&C) Australia, Bondi Junction, NSW, Australia
  • Ganchai Tanapornraweekit Construction and Maintenance Technology Research Center, School of Civil Engineering and Technology, Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology, Thammasat University, Thailand
  • Somnuk Tangtermsirikul School of Civil Engineering and Technology, Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology, Thammasat University, Thailand
  • Tuan Ngo Department of Infrastructure Engineering, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4186/ej.2025.29.10.83

Keywords:

Accidental explosion, ALE, Blast load, Earth-covered magazine, ECM

Abstract

An earth-covered magazine (ECM), a military structure used to store ammunition and explosives, is usually constructed in groups. An accidental explosion in one of the ECMs in the group can lead to the formation of a chain explosion. Therefore, an ECM needs to be designed to protect its contents and prevent the propagation of an explosion to adjacent ECMs. In this study, the behavior of a one-third scaled reinforced concrete (RC) flat roof ECM was examined under an internal explosion from the adjacent ECM by using computational simulation. A comprehensive 3D numerical model capable of simulating detonation, blast wave formation, blast wave propagation, and fluid-structure interaction was developed. The validated constitutive material laws and equation-of-state (EOS), appropriate boundary conditions, and Arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian (ALE) formulation were adopted in the model. The numerical analysis showed that the designed ECM was able to maintain structural integrity without significant damage to the RC walls and roof during the explosion from the adjacent ECM. Moreover, the pressure inside the exposed ECM remained unaffected during the accidental explosion, ensuring the safety of its contents and the subsequent propagation of explosions. Overall, the findings of this study are useful for designing safe and efficient ECM structures.

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Published In
Vol 29 No 10, Oct 31, 2025
How to Cite
[1]
R. P. Bohara, G. Tanapornraweekit, S. Tangtermsirikul, and T. Ngo, “Analysis of an RC Flat Roof ECM under an Accidental Explosion from an Adjacent ECM”, Eng. J., vol. 29, no. 10, pp. 83-96, Oct. 2025.
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