Studies on the impact of external fire on the lye of the shelter housing

Purpose: The presented article presents a numerical analysis carried out to determine the impact of an external fire taking place on the surface of the ground on the level of stress of the trench shelter casing protected by a layer of soil. Design/methodology/approach: Numerical analysis was carried out in two stages. In the first stage, a quasi-stationary distribution of the initial temperature in the centre of the ground and the shelter casing was sought. In the second stage of the analysis, the effect of the fire was considered according to the profile of time changes in the temperature of the shelter object. Findings: We assume that the trench shelter is in an oblong shape, and the fire extends over a vast area. The area surrounding the shelter casing was treated as a material with average constant thermodynamic values. Research limitations/implications: The process related to heating and cooling the enclosure was described on the basis of the Fourier equation on heat conduction in terms of the heterogeneous nature of the material, primer and concrete. Practical implications: The use of the trench shelter model as a research element in the design of special objects. Originality/value: The methods of non-stationary temperature flow through the ground and the shelter casing used, allows for a very realistic indication of how the housing will behave under the influence of high temperature caused by an external fire. The article can be useful for designers who design underground shelters.