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New numerical simulations of blasts in concrete pipes with EUROPLEXUS

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20 October 2025

New numerical simulations of blasts in concrete pipes with EUROPLEXUS

Building block 1: Competitiveness

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Simulations using EUROPLEXUS assess blast effects on concrete tubes for Norway’s proposed submerged bridge, aiming to validate models with improved material data and ensure safety against accidental or intentional explosions. 

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Joint Research Centre

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EU-27

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Academic / Research and VET Institutions

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SMEs (a company with less than 250 employees)

  • Transition Pathway Strategic Areas

    • Building block 1: Competitiveness

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This report investigates the blast resistance of tubular concrete structures through numerical simulations using the EUROPLEXUS (EPX) code. The study is motivated by the concept of a submerged floating tube bridge, proposed as an alternative to ferries for fjord crossings along Norway’s E39 coastal highway. To assess the safety of such infrastructure, it is essential to evaluate its response to accidental or intentional explosions in confined environments, such as tunnels. The work builds on earlier research where the fluid sub-domain and explosive detonation model were calibrated and validated against experiments using rigid steel pipes. While these simulations showed good accuracy, preliminary attempts to model concrete pipes produced less satisfactory results due to limitations in the available material data. Recently, the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) proposed an improved set of experimentally calibrated concrete parameters. The present study therefore repeats the simulations of concrete pipe tests with the updated material data. A parametric analysis is also carried out on key parameters of the DPDC concrete model in EPX to identify their influence on the structural response. The objective is to improve agreement between numerical and experimental results and to complete the validation of the computational model for both plain and reinforced concrete structures. 

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New numerical simulations of blasts in concrete pipes with EUROPLEXUS
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