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Finite element analysis of a 2-span pedestrian bridge collapse due to trucks collision

  • Structural Engineering
  • Published:
KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering Aims and scope

Abstract

The collapse of a 2-span steel pedestrian bridges caused by a truck collision is investigated and studied in detail using a Nonlinear Finite Element program. Typical bridge widely used in Jordan is studied and modeled under vehicle collision using one dimensional beam finite element in order to minimize analysis time due to the dynamic nature of the problem. Truck collision with the bridge is simulated at different speeds and locations of collisions using dynamic explicit finite element scheme with material nonlinearity taken into account. Energy absorption of bridge is investigated through principle of energy conservation, where truck kinetic energy is assumed to be stored in the bridge as strain energy. Weak failure points in the bridges were identified, and modifications are proposed in order to strengthen the bridge structure and prevent total collapse. The proposed design modifications on bridge structure were successful in allowing the bridge to fail locally rather than globally and expected to help in saving lives.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Civil Engineering Dept., Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110, Jordan

    Amin H. Almasri, Rajai Z. Alrousan & Al-harith Manasrah

Authors
  1. Amin H. Almasri
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  2. Rajai Z. Alrousan
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  3. Al-harith Manasrah
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Correspondence to Amin H. Almasri.

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Almasri, A.H., Alrousan, R.Z. & Manasrah, Ah. Finite element analysis of a 2-span pedestrian bridge collapse due to trucks collision. KSCE J Civ Eng 19, 1845–1851 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12205-014-1119-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12205-014-1119-5

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