Reduced Models for Simulating Collisions between Trucks and Bridge Piers

Finite-element simulations were used to investigate the structural demands generated by a truck colliding with a bridge pier. A reduced coupled mass-spring-damper model is proposed to simulate the collision process. The model is calibrated to the simulation data and accounts for key variables, such as truck weight, impact speed, and pier characteristics. Through comparisons to detailed finite-element analysis, the reduced model is shown to be able to reasonably represent the behavior of a set of coupled vehicle–bridge systems. On the basis of the simulation results, an argument is made that a standard design truck can be specified for impact design.