Feasibility Study on Application of Controlled Electrical Discharge Impulse Crushing System to Lifesaving Operations in Earthquake Disasters

The collapse of structures due to massive seismic events is usually observed around the world. It is very important to rescue people who are trapped inside the collapsed RC structures by a big earthquake within 72 h after the earthquake has occurred. Thus, an electrical discharge impulse crushing system (EDICS) may be very effective in the rapid dismantling of collapsed RC structures. As a pioneering work, this study aims at developing a novel technique in controlling the growth direction of a crack formed in concrete by the EDICS. The effectiveness of empty holes created around a charging hole for controlling the crack growth direction is investigated through EDICS testing of concrete plate specimens. As a result, the relationship between the empty hole diameter and the center-to-center distance between the charging hole and empty hole must be satisfied with one particular equation. Finally, the analytical results of LS-DYNA are in good agreement with the experimental observations. This study as a whole would provide a platform to the disaster mitigation team to strategize the rescue operation in an effective and efficient manner. (C) 2018 American Society of Civil Engineers.