Blast Loading and Response of Underground Concrete-Arch Protective Structures

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Description

Four reinforced-concrete arch structures, with the top of arch crown 4 ft below ground surface, were exposed at high overpressure ranges from Priscilla Burst in order to obtain data on their resistance to blast, radiation, and missile hazards. The four structures received actual air overpressures of 56, 124, and 199 psi and suffered only minor damage, all remaining structurally serviceable. The entranceway used for the structures sealed out the air pressure. It was not designed to attenuate radiation and thus did not provide adequate radiation protection for personnel. There were no missile and apparently no dust hazards in any of … continued below

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Pages: 139

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Flathau, W. J.; Breckenridge, R. A. & Wiehle, C. K. June 1, 1959.

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  • Main Title: Blast Loading and Response of Underground Concrete-Arch Protective Structures
  • Series Title: Operation Plumbbob

Description

Four reinforced-concrete arch structures, with the top of arch crown 4 ft below ground surface, were exposed at high overpressure ranges from Priscilla Burst in order to obtain data on their resistance to blast, radiation, and missile hazards. The four structures received actual air overpressures of 56, 124, and 199 psi and suffered only minor damage, all remaining structurally serviceable. The entranceway used for the structures sealed out the air pressure. It was not designed to attenuate radiation and thus did not provide adequate radiation protection for personnel. There were no missile and apparently no dust hazards in any of the structures. Results of the test indicate that an underground reinforced-concrete arch is an excellent structural shape for resisting the effects of a kiloton-range air burst. (C.H.)

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Pages: 139

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Project 3.1 of Operation PLUMBBOB

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Office of Scientific & Technical Information Technical Reports

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Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI) is the Department of Energy (DOE) office that collects, preserves, and disseminates DOE-sponsored research and development (R&D) results that are the outcomes of R&D projects or other funded activities at DOE labs and facilities nationwide and grantees at universities and other institutions.

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  • June 1, 1959

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  • Jan. 22, 2018, 7:23 a.m.

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  • July 24, 2025, 7 p.m.

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Flathau, W. J.; Breckenridge, R. A. & Wiehle, C. K. Blast Loading and Response of Underground Concrete-Arch Protective Structures, report, June 1, 1959; United States. (https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1056777/: accessed September 9, 2026), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.

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