Dynamic response of precast segmental bridge columns under heavy truck impact

Abstract

Considering the wide application of precast segmental bridge columns (PSBCs) in engineering practice, impact-resistant performance has gained significant attention. However, few studies have focused on PSBCs subjected to high-energy impacts caused by heavy truck collisions. Therefore, the behavior of PSBCs under a heavy truck impact was investigated in this study using high-fidelity finite element (FE) models. The detailed FE modeling methods of the PSBCs and heavy trucks were validated against experimental tests. The validated modeling methods were employed to simulate collisions between PSBCs and heavy trucks. The simulation results demonstrated that the engine and cargo caused two major peak impact forces during collision. Subsequently, the impact force, failure mode, displacement, and internal force of the PSBCs under heavy truck impacts were scrutinized. An extensive study was performed to assess the influence of the section size, truck weight, impact velocity, and number of precast segments on the impact responses. The truck weight was found to have a minor effect on the engine impact force. Damage was found to be localized at the bottom of the three segments, with the top remaining primarily undamaged. This parametric study demonstrated that larger cross-sections may be a preferred option to protect PSBCs against the impact of heavy trucks.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

precast segmental bridge columns / heavy truck / collision / dynamic response

References

[1] Ahmadi E, Kashani M M. Numerical investigation of nonlinear static and dynamic behaviour of self-centring rocking segmental bridge piers. Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering, 2020, 128: 105876

[2] Moussa A M A, Fahmy M F M, Wu Z. Innovative resilient system of precast segmental RC hollow bridge columns. Engineering Structures, 2021, 229: 111555

[3] Sideris P, Aref A J, Filiatrault A. Large-scale seismic testing of a hybrid sliding-rocking posttensioned segmental bridge system. Journal of Structural Engineering, 2014, 140(6): 04014025

[4] Wang Z, Wang J, Zhu J, Zhao G, Zhang J. Energy dissipation and self-centering capacities of posttensioning precast segmental ultra-high performance concrete bridge columns. Structural Concrete, 2020, 21(2): 517–532

[5] Harik I E, Shaaban A M, Gesund H, Valli G Y S, Wang S T. United States bridge failures, 1951–1988. Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities, 1990, 4(4): 272–277

[6] Wardhana K, Hadipriono F C. Analysis of recent bridge failures in the United States. Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities, 2003, 17(3): 144–150

[7] Ji B, Fu Z. Analysis of Chinese bridge collapse accident causes in recent years. China Civil Engineering Journal, 2010, 43(S1): 495–498

[8] Sun W, Fan W, Yang C, Peng W. Lessons learned from vehicle collision accident of Dongguofenli Bridge: FE modeling and analysis. Engineering Structures, 2021, 244: 112813

[9] El-Tawil S, Severino E, Fonseca P. Vehicle collision with bridge piers. Journal of Bridge Engineering, 2005, 10(3): 345–353

[10] AASHTO. AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications. Washington: American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, 2004

[11] Zhang Y, Pan R, Dias-da-Costa D. An energy-based method for assessing the equivalent static force of a vehicle collision with bridge columns. Structure and Infrastructure Engineering, 2022, 18(8): 1107–1119

[12] Chen L, El-Tawil S, Xiao Y. Reduced models for simulating collisions between trucks and bridge piers. Journal of Bridge Engineering, 2016, 21(6): 04016020

[13] Chen L, El-Tawil S, Xiao Y. Response spectrum-based method for calculating the reaction force of piers subjected to truck collisions. Engineering Structures, 2017, 150: 852–863

[14] Fan W, Shen D, Zhang Z, Huang X, Shao X. A novel UHPFRC-based protective structure for bridge columns against vehicle collisions: Experiment, simulation, and optimization. Engineering Structures, 2020, 207: 110247

[15] Do T V, Pham T M, Hao H. Dynamic responses and failure modes of bridge columns under vehicle collision. Engineering Structures, 2018, 156: 243–259

[16] Fan W, Xu X, Zhang Z, Shao X. Performance and sensitivity analysis of UHPFRC-strengthened bridge columns subjected to vehicle collisions. Engineering Structures, 2018, 173: 251–268

[17] Fan W, Zhong Z, Huang X, Sun W, Mao W. Multi-platform simulation of reinforced concrete structures under impact loading. Engineering Structures, 2022, 266: 114523

[18] Cao R, El-Tawil S, Agrawal A K, Xu X C, Wong W D. Behavior and design of bridge piers subjected to heavy truck collision. Journal of Bridge Engineering, 2019, 24(7): 04019057

[19] Chen L, Wu H, Fang Q, Li R W. Full-scale experimental study of a reinforced concrete bridge pier under truck collision. Journal of Bridge Engineering, 2021, 26(8): 05021008

[20] Dawood H, Elgawady M, Hewes J. Factors affecting the seismic behavior of segmental precast bridge columns. Frontiers of Structural and Civil Engineering, 2014, 8(4): 388–398

[21] Wang Z, Ge J, Wei H. Seismic performance of precast hollow bridge piers with different construction details. Frontiers of Structural and Civil Engineering, 2014, 8(4): 399–413

[22] Zhang Y, Fan W, Zhai Y, Yuan W. Experimental and numerical investigations on seismic behavior of prefabricated bridge columns with UHPFRC bottom segments. Journal of Bridge Engineering, 2019, 24(8): 04019076

[23] Zhang Y, Tabandeh A, Ma Y, Gardoni P. Seismic performance of precast segmental bridge columns repaired with CFRP wraps. Composite Structures, 2020, 243: 112218

[24] Wu M, Jin L, Du X. Dynamic response analysis of bridge precast segment piers under vehicle collision. Engineering Failure Analysis, 2021, 124: 105363

[25] Zhang X, Hao H, Li C. Experimental investigation of the response of precast segmental columns subjected to impact loading. International Journal of Impact Engineering, 2016, 95: 105–124

[26] Do T V, Pham T M, Hao H. Numerical investigation of the behavior of precast concrete segmental columns subjected to vehicle collision. Engineering Structures, 2018, 156: 375–393

[27] Do T V, Pham T M, Hao H. Impact response and capacity of precast concrete segmental versus monolithic bridge columns. Journal of Bridge Engineering, 2019, 24(6): 04019050

[28] GA802-2014. Road Traffic Management-types of Motor Vehicles. Beijing: The Ministry of Public Security of the People’s Republic of China, 2019

[29] Chen L, Xiao Y, El-Tawil S. Impact tests of model RC columns by an equivalent truck frame. Journal of Structural Engineering, 2016, 142(5): 04016002

[30] Do T V, Pham T M, Hao H. Impact force profile and failure classification of reinforced concrete bridge columns against vehicle impact. Engineering Structures, 2019, 183: 443–458

[31] Cao R, Agrawal A K, El-Tawil S, Xu X C, Wong W. Heavy truck collision with bridge piers: Computational simulation study. Journal of Bridge Engineering, 2019, 24(6): 04019052

[32] MurrayY D. Users Manual for LS-DYNA Concrete Material Model 159. McLean, VA: Federal Highway Administration, 2007

[33] Xu X C, Cao R, El-Tawil S, Agrawal A K, Wong W. Loading definition and design of bridge piers impacted by medium-weight trucks. Journal of Bridge Engineering, 2019, 24(6): 04019042

[34] Shen D, Sun W, Fan W, Huang X, He Y. Behavior and analysis of simply supported bridges under vessel side collisions: implications from collapse of the Taiyangbu Bridge. Journal of Bridge Engineering, 2022, 27(9): 04022076

[35] AgrawalA KEl-TawilSCaoRXuXChenXWongW. A performance-based approach for loading definition of heavy vehicle impact events. McLean, VA: Federal Highway Administration, 2018

[36] Jiang H, Chorzepa M G. An effective numerical simulation methodology to predict the impact response of pre-stressed concrete members. Engineering Failure Analysis, 2015, 55: 63–78

[37] Hao Y, Hao H, Jiang G P, Zhou Y. Experimental confirmation of some factors influencing dynamic concrete compressive strengths in high-speed impact tests. Cement and Concrete Research, 2013, 52: 63–70

[38] MalvarL JCrawfordJ E. Dynamic increase factors for steel reinforcing bars. In: 28th DoD Explosives Safety Seminar Proceedings. Orlando, FL: DDESB, 1998

[39] LSTC. LS-DYNA Keyword User’s Manual. Livermore: Livermore Software Technology Corporation, 2012

[40] JonesN. Structural Impact. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2012

[41] Do T V, Pham T M, Hao H. Effects of steel confinement and shear keys on the impact responses of precast concrete segmental columns. Journal of Constructional Steel Research, 2019, 158: 331–349

[42] Zhang Y, Pan R, Xiao F. Numerical research on impact performance of bridge columns with aluminum foam protection devices. International Journal of Distributed Sensor Networks, 2020, 16(11): 1–13

[43] MieleC RPlaxicoCStephensDSimunovicS. U26: Enhanced Finite Element Analysis Crash Model Of Tractor-trailers (Phase C). Knoxville, TN: National Transportation Research Center, 2010

[44] ButhC EBrackinM SWilliamsW FFryG T. Collision Loads on Bridge Piers: Phase 2. Report of Guidelines for Designing Bridge Piers and Abutments for Vehicle Collisions. 2011

[45] LiuG. Behavior of bridge piers during vehicular impacts. Dissertation for the Doctoral Degree. New York: The City College of New York, 2012

[46] XuX. Performance based approach for loading and design of bridge piers impacted by medium weight trucks. Disser tation for the Doctoral Degree. New York: The City College of New York, 2017

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

Higher Education Press