Performance-Based Design Framework for Bridge Piers Subjected to Truck Collision

Abstract

A performance-based design (PBD) framework, suited for incorporation into design codes, is proposed for bridge piers subject to truck impact. Pier performance was judged as a function of shear distortion and plastic rotation at key locations along the pier. Calibrated pulse models were used to compute the demand imposed by a single-unit truck or a tractor-semitrailer colliding with a concrete bridge pier. Capacity design concepts, similar to those in earthquake engineering, were also incorporated into the proposed performance-based approach to mitigate collapse by minimizing shear distortion of piers impacted by trucks. Based on the computational data, the argument is made that adopting the proposed PBD theory for impact-resistant pier design can allow bridge designers to meet predetermined performance objectives for given vehicular impact scenarios.