Bracing for Impact: Developing Steel-Concrete Sandwich Panel Retrofits for Increased Bridge Pier Protection

This research project will address retrofits for piers in and around shipping channels. Bridge pier stability is integral for the continued operation of shipping channels after a vessel-pier collision occurs. Without sufficient pier protection systems, when vessel collisions occur, bridge damage can limit traffic over the bridge and through the waterway below, causing both travel and economic disruption. A novel steel-concrete composite system will be investigated for reducing the collapse potential of vulnerable bridge piers (essentially developing bridge life-preservers). The proposed strengthening method provides an alternative construction approach by installing the system directly onto bridge piers in lieu of constructing more robust barrier type systems. Additionally, the proposed barrier employs energy dissipative mechanisms along with a new structural system (steel- plate composite sandwich panels) that has been recently investigated for use in building applications. The project contains two integrated research components: 1) detailed finite element analysis of retrofit pier details and 2) impact testing of retrofit details. Outcomes of this project include a direct-to-pier retrofit strategy, ultimately improving waterway infrastructure reliability. Additionally, novel impact data for sandwich panels will be generated and engineering graduate students will receive advanced research training providing knowledge transfer to industry upon student graduation.