Examining the potential of damage in threat zones around LPG storage sphere in Hassi R’Mel city, Algeria

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to determine the maximum extent of damage in the threat zones, the result of a catastrophic failure in one liquefied petroleum gas storage sphere, located in storage and transfer center in Hassi R’Mel city, Algeria.

Design/methodology/approach

To reach the desired results, we relied on ALOHA® v. 5.4.7 software (Areal Locations of Hazardous Atmospheres) for accidents simulation, and on Google Earth as an output tool to show results on the city map.

Findings

The results prove that the city of Hassi R’Mel is almost completely threatened by thermal effects resulting from a boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion phenomenon, which can reach a distance of 3.9 km.

Originality/value

Determining the extent to which the damages resulting from an industrial accident may reach is of great importance in preventing industrial hazards, as well as in decision-making in the field of urbanization.

Citation

Taibi, Y., Chadli, M. and Ziane, M. (2023), "Examining the potential of damage in threat zones around LPG storage sphere in Hassi R’Mel city, Algeria", International Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment, Vol. 14 No. 3, pp. 301-313. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJDRBE-07-2021-0063