Influential fluid–structure interaction modelling parameters on the response of bridges vulnerable to coastal storms

Analysis of coastal bridges under hurricane-induced wave and surge loads is essential for safety and performance assessment of water crossing bridge inventories. A reliable numerical model that can be employed to study the behaviour of bridges in hurricane events is beneficial because it reduces the cost and effort required for experimental models. Furthermore, it is important to identify modelling parameters that have a significant effect on the simulated response in order to guide uncertainty treatment for future bridge reliability studies. To address these needs, a high fidelity numerical model for simulation of coastal bridges is utilised that takes into account the fluid–structure interaction and includes contact surfaces that permit deck shifting and unseating during surge and wave passage. After validation of the model with experimental test data, it is implemented to examine the response of a typical water crossing bridge in the Houston area, revealing the values of wave and surge loads and also the potential of deck unseating under extreme wave and surge conditions. A sensitivity study is conducted to determine the uncertain structural modelling parameters that significantly affect the bridge response when subjected to surge and wave. Concrete strength and density, coefficient of friction between super- and substructure and soil shear strength are found to influence the bridge response and should be considered in probabilistic analyses and reliability assessments of coastal bridges.

• Record URL:
  • https://doi.org/10.1080/15732479.2013.879602
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/15732479
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Abstract reprinted with permission of Taylor & Francis.
• Authors:
  • Ataei, Navid
  • Padgett, Jamie E
• Publication Date: 2015-3

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Web
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 321-333
• Serial:
  • Structure and Infrastructure Engineering
  • Volume: 11
  • Issue Number: 3
  • Publisher: Taylor & Francis
  • ISSN: 1573-2479
  • EISSN: 1744-8980
  • Serial URL: http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/nsie20

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridge decks; Coastal engineering; Fluid dynamics; Highway bridges; Hurricanes; Sensitivity analysis; Storm surges; Structural analysis
• Geographic Terms: Houston (Texas)
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Highways; Hydraulics and Hydrology; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01548915
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Dec 29 2014 11:02AM