Forensic Diagnosis on Flood-Induced Bridge Failure. I: Determination of the Possible Causes of Failure
Publication: Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 28, Issue 1
Abstract
In Taiwan, many bridges span rivers that exhibit severe channel variations in response to drastically increased flows and resulting floods caused by typhoons and storms. Flood-induced scour can undermine the effective embedment depth of bridge foundations. The Shuang-Yuan Bridge, spanning a downstream section of the Kaoping Stream, was severely damaged during Typhoon Morakot in August 2009. A qualitative investigation was conducted to determine the possible causes of this bridge collapse. Relevant hydrologic, meteorologic, structural, geotechnical, and terrain information from various sources both in written and image formats was collected, updated, and reviewed. The disaster investigation included field investigations, nondestructive inspection of bridge remnants, and investigation of structural damage of upstream river crossings, hydrologic changes, damage to training structures/embankment, riverbed profile changes, and debris during the flood event. Several inspections were applied to determine the embedment depths, positions of underwater remnants, and changes in riverbed elevation. The investigation results identified multiple possible causes of failure, including flood flows, river-bend-induced turbulent flows, and the joint effects of extended foundations and rafted wood.
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Acknowledgments
This forensic investigation was supported by a grant from the Third District Maintenance Construction Office, the Directorate General of Highways of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, in Taiwan. The authors greatly appreciate the financial support and assistance of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 28 • Issue 1 • February 2014
Pages: 76 - 84
Copyright
© 2014 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jun 29, 2012
Accepted: Oct 30, 2012
Published online: Nov 3, 2012
Published in print: Feb 1, 2014
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