Analysis and Design of Critical Bridges Subjected to Blast Loads
Publication: Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 131, Issue 8
Abstract
Blast-resistant design has traditionally been considered only for essential government buildings, military structures, and petrochemical facilities. Recent terrorist threats to bridges in California and New York have demonstrated the need to evaluate the vulnerability of our transportation infrastructure. Bridge engineers, however, have not typically considered security in the design process, and most of the current state of knowledge of the design of structures subjected to blast effects is based on the performance of buildings rather than bridges. This paper summarizes the results of ongoing research to develop performance-based blast design standards tailored specifically for bridges. Based on best practices obtained from an international literature review, the paper briefly discusses the incorporation of physical security and site layout principles into the design process. It then discusses the potential effects of blast loads on bridges and provides structural design and retrofit solutions to counter these effects.
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Acknowledgments
This paper is based on research conducted by the writers and sponsored through the Transportation Pooled Fund Program [Project No. TPF-5(056)]. The opinions expressed in this paper reflect those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect those of the sponsor. The sponsor’s project director has approved the publication of this paper. Special thanks are given to the following individuals for providing assistance, advice, and expertise: Mark Bloschock, project director, TxDOT; David Hohmann, project coordinator, TxDOT; Mary Lou Ralls, state bridge engineer, TxDOT; Dr. Norman Dennis, project advisor, University of Arkansas–Fayetteville; Dr. Karl Frank, project advisor, University of Texas–Austin; and James Ray, project advisor, USACE Engineering Research and Development Center.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 131 • Issue 8 • August 2005
Pages: 1243 - 1255
Copyright
© 2005 ASCE.
History
Received: Dec 11, 2003
Accepted: Nov 19, 2004
Published online: Aug 1, 2005
Published in print: Aug 2005
Notes
Note. Associate Editor: Barry Thomas Rosson
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