Dynamic Finite Element Analysis of Vessel–Pier–Soil Interaction During Barge Impact Events

Current specifications for highway bridge design provide empirical relationships for computing lateral impact loads generated during barge collisions; however, these relationships are based on limited experimental data. To better understand and characterize such loads, dynamic finite element analysis techniques were employed to simulate vessel impact conditions never before tested experimentally. Descriptions of the methods used to model a hopper barge, bridge piers, and soil–structure interaction are given. Impact simulation results, including time histories of impact loads and barge deformations, are presented and compared with data generated using current bridge design specifications.