Numerical Investigation of Progressive Collapse of a Multispan Continuous Bridge Subjected to Vessel Collision
Publication: Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 22, Issue 5
Abstract
Multispan continuous bridges have been widely used in navigable waterways. However, their susceptibility to progressive collapse as a result of vessel collision is not yet fully understood. Experimental studies of bridge collapses induced by vessel collision are costly, time-consuming, and often not feasible. This paper presents a numerical study on the progressive collapse of a multispan continuous bridge subjected to vessel collision. A high-fidelity finite-element model of a 14-span continuous bridge, including its prestressed concrete (PC) superstructures and reinforced concrete (RC) pier columns/piles, and the colliding barge was developed to investigate the bridge failure mechanism. The validation was carried out for PC superstructures and RC structural members of the bridge piers by using available drop-weight impact tests of PC and RC beams. Furthermore, evaluation of available forensic investigation data, such as photographs and a survey of collapsed spans/piers, indicated that the progressive collapse was well predicted by the numerical analysis. Results show that the bridge pier directly impacted by a vessel will fail in the lateral direction of the bridge span, whereas nonimpacted piers will fail in the longitudinal direction of the bridge span. Results also show that the number of collapsed spans/piers depends on underwater terrain conditions and that the failure of the slender pier columns and piles results from plastic-hinge bending.
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Acknowledgments
The first and second authors are grateful for the financial support from the National Science Foundation of China (Grants 51308054, 51278373, and 51438010) and the DOT of China under the contracts 2007-318-822-34 and 2008-353-344-340. We are grateful to Mr. Pan Fang, Wu Yucai, and Zhang Hailong of the Guangdong Expressway Company for providing design information for the collapsed bridge and sinking barge, which made this study possible. We also thank Mr. Zhao Kai (a MS graduate from Tongji Univ.) for setting up the FE model of the prestressing stands. The opinions, findings, and conclusions do not reflect the views of the funding institutions, bridge owners, or other individuals.
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Information
Published In
Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 22 • Issue 5 • May 2017
Copyright
© 2017 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jun 7, 2016
Accepted: Dec 5, 2016
Published online: Feb 16, 2017
Published in print: May 1, 2017
Discussion open until: Jul 16, 2017
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