Dynamic analyses of square RC pier column subjected to barge impact using efficient models

Material non-linearity of pier members is an important factor that needs to be considered for dynamic analysis of the bridge pier subjected to barge impact. However, many existing studies pertaining to barge impact on the bridge pier are based on the assumption that the pier is rigid or elastic. High-resolution finite-element simulation serves as the main strategy for dynamic analysis of the bridge pier subjected to barge impact considering material non-linearity of pier members. However, high-resolution finite element simulations are expensive regarding both calculation time and computing resources, thus efficient models are often required. This paper develops the numerical model of the square RC pier column with fixed base. By coupling the simplified mass-spring model developed by the authors previously with the RC pier column at the impact position using fibre beam elements, the efficient model is developed to predict the impact force time-history and dynamic responses of the RC pier column subjected to barge impact. The studies in this paper show that the prediction quality of the proposed efficient model is adequate for different impact scenarios. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.