Effect of Underground Blasting on the Rock-Socketed Piles
摘要
Underground constructions in urban cities may pass beneath or near existing tall structures. The structural and foundational stability of the existing structures is a matter of concern in those areas. Moreover, these shallow tunnels are at risk of being exposed to explosive forces from various sources, including acts of terrorism, controlled blasting for adjacent constructions, and accidental explosions due to the transportation of flammable materials. On the other hand, the rock-socketed piles effectively transfer heavy loads from tower structures, bridges, and high-rise buildings to bearing strata. Therefore, an analysis has been conducted to examine the performance of the rock-socketed pile foundation overlying the circular tunnel subjected to internal blasts. For this instance, a 3D numerical analysis is carried out by employing the Coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian (CEL) approach. In addition, the effect of the surrounding rockmass weathering grade on the deformations has been studied by considering granite rock with various weathering conditions. The results from the numerical analysis show that the rock-socketed pile resting on the highly weathered rock has shown higher deformations compared to the fresh rock when subjected to underground blasting. Finally, the outcomes of the present study can significantly motivate engineers and academicians toward the utilization of rock-socketed piles in the urban region.