AASHTO Vessel Collision Analysis & Pier Protection Alternatives

Recent tragic events in Baltimore, Maryland have highlighted the potential vulnerability of major bridge crossings over navigable waterways to catastrophic collapse due to extreme event loads such as vessel collision. This paper will discuss ship and barge collision with bridges using lessons learned from historical accidents worldwide and will provide the audience with general guidance on the application of vessel collision risk analysis procedures outlined in AASHTO for both new and existing structures. In addition, the paper will address consideration of vessel bow crushing in the development of bridge substructure and pier protection measures. Highway and rail bridges that cross busy navigation channels near coastal ports and inland waterways pose unique risks to a nation’s critical transportation infrastructure, and potential collapse due to vessel collision often leads to loss of life and significant economic and political consequences.