Structural design and analysis of an impact resisting structure for volcanic shelters (original) (raw)

This paper describes the conceptual design, the engineering process and the implementation of an impact resisting structure for volcanic shelter. Basically, the designed shelter consists of two homologous reinforced concrete shells, interconnected by suitable flexible and highly dissipative devices, which absorb and dissipate the impact energy. The shelter has been purposely designed to resist, without damage, an impact with a 150 kg mass rock, colliding with the surface of the external shell at approximately 62 m/s. The characteristics of the shelter and the process followed in its design and implementation are illustrated. Particular attention is addressed to the mechanical behaviour of the impact absorbing devices. The numerical modelling of the impact phenomenon and of the shelter structure is illustrated. Finally, the results of accurate non-linear dynamic simulation analyses for safety verifications are discussed.

Dynamic response of a volcanic shelter subjected to ballistic impacts

This paper presents the results of a series of experimental tests, aimed at investigating the impact and dynamic response of a volcanic shelter. Similar shelters are to be installed in the Stromboli island (Aeolian archipelago, Sicily, Italy), to protect human lives from the pyroclastic eruptions of the volcano. Basically, the Shelter consists of two homologous reinforced concrete shells, interconnected by rubber-based special devices, which absorb and dissipate most of the impact energy. The Shelter has been specifically designed to resist, without damage, an impact with a 150 kg mass rock, knocking the surface of the external shell at 62.5 m/s speed. The experimental tests were carried out on a 1:2-scale model, using a testing apparatus purposely realised to simulate impact conditions comparable with those considered in the design. Impact energy and mass ratio between projectile and reinforced concrete shell were assumed as main experimental parameters and varied during the tests. A finite element model of the Shelter was also implemented and direct-integration time-history analyses were performed, to validate the experimental results. Reference to the Hertz's law was made to simulate the impact between the two bodies. The experimental tests proved the ability of the Shelter to resist impacts without damage. Acceptable agreement between numerical predictions and experimental results was found.

Finite Element Modelling of Concrete Protection Structures Submitted to Rock Impacts

Proceedings of 16th ASCE Engineering Mechanics Conference, 2003

In mountainous areas where the falling rocky blocks constitute a major hazard, the protection systems of roads are usually rock sheds composed of over dimensioned reinforced concrete elements. This is mainly due to the lack of knowledge of the dynamic effects caused by these falling rocks. A thick backfilling layer that prevents the direct impact of falling rocks by constituting a damping medium commonly covers the roof slab of protection structures. This allows the design of the slab with static dead loads. Recent ...

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