Consequence modelling of gas explosion scenarios in traffic tunnels

To be able to assess the social acceptability of hazardous materials transport through tunnels risk analysis is an appropriate technique. In order to be able to perform a sound hazard analysis two tools have been developed. A screening tool set to determine quickly the consequences in a wide spectrum of scenarios. A one-dimensional gas dynamic model of a gas explosion computes the pressure loading. This model requires input in terms of flame propagation behavior in tubes. Subsequently, damage criteria in pressure-impulse graphs determine the response of the tunnel structure. Secondly, a tool set for detailed numerical simulation. A three-dimensional CFD gas explosion simulator is capable of computing the consequences of gas explosion scenarios as well as the effects of any possible mitigating measure in detail. The resulting blast loading serves as input to an FE-model that is able to simulate dynamic response of the tunnel structure in any wanted detail.