Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/11681/11229
Title: Hazardous waste storage explosion threat assessment
Authors: Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc.
Ingram, James K.
Keywords: Acceleration
Explosion equivalence
Velocity
Containment
Ground shock
Displacement
Soil cover
Explosion effects
Blast effects
Publisher: Structures Laboratory (U.S.)
Engineer Research and Development Center (U.S.)
Series/Report no.: Technical report (U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station) ; SL-93-20.
Description: Technical Report
Abstract: A desk study was undertaken to assess the minimum soil cover depth requirement to safely contain possible hydrogen gas detonations which could occur in old nuclear/ chemical hazardous waste storage sites located at Oak Ridge, TN. The potential explosive source is primarily from chemical reaction between the stored materials and moisture within the soil cover, the naturally occurring byproduct of which is hydrogen gas. Condensation, percolation, leaching, or direct inflow of groundwater are the potential moisture sources. This study investigated TNT equivalent detonations ranging from 2 to 50 lb. The estimated probable TNT charge equivalent was approximately 5 lb (or 10-lb equivalent black powder). Soil cover thickness requirements were determined which would prevent explosion products and gases from venting through the surface, and ensure that ground shock levels no greater than 3 g's acceleration, 4 in./ sec velocity, and 0.06 in. displacement, were not exceeded.
Rights: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/11681/11229
Appears in Collections:Technical Report

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