Prediction of Pier Response to Barge Impacts with Design-Oriented Dynamic Finite Element Analysis

The loads imparted to bridge piers during barge impact events can be quantified and the structural responses that result from the application of such loads can be determined by using analytical procedures of varying degrees of complexity. At one extreme, sophisticated, nonlinear, dynamic finite element impact simulation techniques may be used to quantify the time variation of the dynamic loads generated during such collision events. At the other end of the spectrum are bridge design specifications with simple computational formulas for computing equivalent static loads for barge impact loading. An intermediate level—design-oriented dynamic finite element analysis technique—that is suitable for use in design practice with moderate computational resources is presented. The proposed method uses barge crush data—predetermined either experimentally or by using high-resolution finite element analysis—to link a design-oriented dynamic pier analysis program to a low-order, nonlinear barge model. For demonstration purposes, the method is implemented in a widely used commercial pier analysis program (FB-Pier). Results obtained from the proposed method, including both dynamic load predictions and structural response predictions, are compared with corresponding results obtained using high-resolution, finite element analyses for validation purposes.