Blast resistant design of large capacity explosive storage structure
A procedure based on unit risk principle for blast resistant design of structures stocking large quantity of explosives has been developed. The superior qualities of laced reinforced concrete (LRC) structural elements like large rotational capacity and confinement have been exploited in evolving the design. Knowledge gained in the design of such specialized explosive storage structures is very unique and strategic in nature. The designs were successfully demonstration and validated based on the field measurements. Survival potential of a large storage structure to an explosion of 75T NEC has been verified for the first time in the country through full-scale field blast tests. Codified design procedure has been transferred to Centre for Fire, Explosives and Environment Safety (CFEES), Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), as type design.
The notable advantages are:
- Knowledge generation for design of blast resistant structures
- Design proved successful through field trials
- Reduction of separation distance leading to saving of land
- Sympathetic explosion is prevented thereby saving men & material
- Design knowledge transferred to CFEES (DRDO) as type design of explosive storage structures
