Assessment of Hydrological Pressure on Concrete Bridge Piers Considering Fluid–Structure Interaction

During the last 20 years, fluid-related natural catastrophes caused by climate change have produced severe floods in numerous countries, resulting in many casualties, large scale infrastructure damage, and enormous economic losses. These catastrophic hydrodynamic phenomena disrupt whole transportation networks by washing down bridge decks, piers, and roadways, complicating rescue and recovery efforts. As recent flash floods have demonstrated, inland transportation infrastructure is just as vulnerable to fluid hazards as coastal infrastructure. This research investigates the mechanics of fluid flow impact to learn how fluid currents affect bridge piers. The next step is to build a finite volume bridge pier model that considers the consequences of fluid flow and radial motion around the pier. Results from fluid impact analysis, fluid–structure coupling analysis, and theoretical analysis are contrasted with those derived using the equations specified by national and international design standards. According to the results, it is necessary to raise the fluid flow force computed using the codes’ formulas to account for the impact of the flood on the bridge pier. The standard codes for the highway bridge design approach frequently produce a larger fluid flow force result, so we can ignore fluid–structure interaction on the bridge pier in water flow velocity, which is minor. It is possible to disregard the fluid–structure interaction on the bridge pier only when finite volume analysis is performed.

Understanding the impact of fluid flow on bridge piers is crucial for enhancing the resilience of transportation infrastructure in the face of increasing hydrodynamic threats due to climate change. This research delves into the mechanics of fluid–structure interaction, shedding light on how fluid currents affect bridge stability. By developing a finite volume bridge pier model, the study provides a more accurate assessment of the forces exerted by floods, enabling engineers to design bridges that can withstand extreme hydrological events more effectively. The findings highlight the limitations of current design standards, suggesting that traditional approaches may underestimate the forces exerted by floodwaters on bridge piers. By incorporating fluid–structure interaction analysis into design protocols, engineers can ensure safer and more resilient bridge infrastructure, reducing the risk of catastrophic failure during severe flooding events. This research underscores the importance of adopting advanced modeling techniques to account for dynamic fluid behavior and mitigate the impact of hydrological pressures on critical infrastructure.