Shock Resistant Water Wells for Shelter Cooling

摘要

A series of studies was conducted to determine the feasibility of using water wells for underground shelter cooling. A study of ground water temperatures and shelter cooling requirements revealed that practical and efficient cooling systems utilizing well water can be designed for all parts of the country except the southern tips of Texas and Florida. A survey of well damage resulting from earthquake and subsidence ground motions disclosed that the oil industry has developed successful casing stress reduction methods such as gel packed bell holes and casing expansion joints. A study to predict well casing stress loads resulting from surface nuclear detonations was made, under contract, by Agbabian-Jacobsen Associates. Loads resulting from ground motions induced by weapon yields up to 20 megatons with surface overpressures ranging from 15 to 300 psi were predicted; the casing stresses in a significant number of situations were shown to be well in excess of normal material strengths. It was concluded, however, that existing stress relief methods, such as those developed by the oil industry, can effectively reduce casing stresses to a safe level. (Author)