Numerical Analysis-Based Blast Resistance Performance Assessment of Cable-Stayed Bridge Components Subjected to Blast Loads

Abstract

Cable-stayed bridges are infrastructure facilities of a highly public nature; therefore, it is essential to ensure operational safety and prompt response in the event of a collapse or damage, which are caused by natural and social disasters. Among social disasters, blast accidents can occur in cable-stayed bridges as a result of explosions produced by vehicle collisions or terrorist attacks; this can lead to the degradation in their structural performances and subsequent collapse. In this research, a procedure to assess structural blast-resistance performance is suggested based on a numerical analysis approach, and the feasibility of the procedure is demonstrated by performing an example assessment. The suggested procedure includes (1) selection of major structural components that severely affect the global structural behavior, (2) set-up blast hazard scenarios consisting of various blast levels and locations, and (3) assessment of the components using numerical blast simulation. By performing an example assessment, the critical blast level for each component could be determined and the blast location that affects the considering components the most severely could be found as well. The scenario-based assessment process employed in this study is expected to facilitate the evaluation of bridge structures under blasts in both existing bridges and future designs.

Special Issue on “Buildings and Structures under Extreme Loads II”

“…The study in [8] focuses on cable-stayed bridges under blast accidents resulting from explosions produced by vehicle collisions or terrorist attacks. An efficient procedure to assess structural blast-resistance performance of key structural components in cable-stayed bridges is suggested, based on a numerical analysis approach.…”

Research of the Failure Mechanism and Preventive Strengthening of Prefabricated Small Box Girder under Car Explosion

“…Therefore, it was necessary to apply some energy absorbing or properly fused systems to reduce the close-in deck explosion effects. Lee and Choi et al [8] suggested a procedure to assess structural blast-resistance performance based on a numerical analysis approach.…”

Response of Single Plane Reinforced Concrete Cable-Stayed Bridge with Prestressed Deck under Blast Load

“…In the last six decades, more than 550 terrorist attacks have targeted bridges and related infrastructure [1]. Cable-stayed bridges, being vital public infrastructure, require protection to ensure operational safety and prompt response during natural disasters or intentional acts of destruction, such as explosions resulting from vehicle collisions or terrorist attacks [2]. Protecting cable-stayed bridges against progressive failure due to explosive threats was investigated [3].…”