A model to analyze a buried structure response to surface dynamic loading

A relatively simple model of a buried structure response to a surface loading that can simulate a possible opening and closure of a gap between the soil and the structure is presented. Analysis of the response of small and medium scale buried roof slabs under surface impulsive loading shows that the model\'s predictions are in fairly good agreement with the experimental results. Application of the model to a study case shows the relative influence of system parameters such as, the depth of burial, the arching coefficient, and the roof thickness, on the interface pressure and on the roof displacement. This model demonstrates the effect of a gap between the structure and the soil. The relative importance of including a gap opening and closure in the analysis is examined by the application of the model to a study case. This study results show that the deeper the depth of burial, the longer the gap duration, and the shorter the duration of the initial interface impact, while the higher the soil\'s shear resistance, the higher the gap duration, and the shorter the initial interface impact duration.