A simplified simulation strategy for barge-bridge collision learned from collapse of Taiyangbu Bridge

Barge collision accidents on bridges crossing inland waterways frequently occur, and the barge-bridge collision analysis is essential for the impact-resistant evaluation and design of bridges. This paper aims to develop a reliable and efficient finite element (FE) modeling approach for barge-bridge collision analysis by utilizing the explicit dynamic FE analysis program LS-DYNA. Firstly, the coupled high-resolution FE model (HRM) of Taiyangbu Bridge subjected to barge side collision is established, and the collapse processes of bridge are numerically reproduced by comparing the predicted failure patterns and collapse processes of bridge with the accident video. Then, considering the computing efficiency, a series of simplified FE models of bridge, i.e., two models for superstructure (simplified shell model and equivalence mass model), and two substructure models with utilizing the fiber-based beam element, are established. The corresponding comparative numerical simulations are performed, and the optimum simplified FE modeling methodology for bridge is confirmed by comparisons with the predicted results of HRM. Furthermore, based on the distributions of dynamic impact force along the height and perimeter of bridge pier, a decoupled dynamic impact force modeling approach substituting the complex barge model is developed. By comparing with the dynamic behaviors of bridge in HRM, a simplified simulation strategy for barge-bridge collision analyses is proposed based on the above optimum simplified FE modeling methodology for bridge and decoupled dynamic impact force modeling approach. Finally, the applicability of the proposed simplified strategy is further validated for the head-on collision scenarios. The present work provides an efficient numerical simulation method for impact-resistant evaluation and design of bridge against barge impact.