Design of structures for accidental loads – vehicle impact – in accordance with PN-EN 1991-1-7

<ns3:p>In the paper the principles of structural design concerning accidental load are presented. This load is the impact of a vehicle on a steel column. The column is part of the main structural system of a portal frame industrial hall. Analysis and calculations were performed according to Eurocode 1 – Actions on structures – Part 1-7: General actions, Accidental actions. The design procedure based on Annex C of this standard was presented.Methods for determining impact force values are discussed. These include the equivalent static approach and the simplified dynamic approach. Sample impact scenarios were developed and are shown. Potential vehicle impact locations were determined within these scenarios. Selected frame columns and points of application of impact forces were identified. Depending on the vehicle's speed and mass, their value was calculated. The direction of action was also determined. A computational example is presented. In the first stage, the structure's stability was checked under permanent design conditions. Subsequently, its load-bearing capacity was analysed in an accidental situation</ns3:p>