Study on the dynamic characteristics of pile wharves subjected to underwater explosion

A test was conducted to investigate the dynamic response characteristics and damage modes of pile wharves subjected to underwater explosions. To simulate the explosion process, a fluid-solid coupling finite element model of the pile wharf was constructed. The structural damage process, response characteristics, and failure modes of the pile wharf were analyzed based on the experimental and numerical simulation results. The results showed that the main damaged components of the pile wharf were the piles, with damage modes of cracks, spalling, and brittle shear. The probability of moderate or more significant damage to the inclined piles was 25% higher than that of the vertical piles. The inclined piles with low deformation ability were more prone to local concrete brittle failure, significantly increasing the possibility of instability and failure of the pile wharf structure. The acceleration response spectrum indicated that although the structure of the pile wharf was severely damaged, the personnel on its surface slab still had a high probability of survival. The study indicates that replacing inclined piles with alternative optimized structures benefits the blast resistance of pile wharves.