Thesis
Blast effects on prestressed concrete bridges
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
2008
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/100997
Abstract
Since the events of September 11th, more attention has been given to the effects of blast on structures. Bridges are especially important in this area due to their potentially critical role in the economy and for emergency response. Prestressed concrete bridges are very common, representing 40% of Washington's state bridges and 11% of state bridges nationwide. Despite this, very little is known about how prestressed concrete bridges respond to blast loading. A finite element model of a precast, prestressed girder was created and validated with two empirical tests. It was found that for an explosive event above or below the girder, analytical and empirical results were consistent. The girder model was expanded to a four-girder, simple-span bridge model. Four different scenarios were examined at the midspan of the bridge: a blast between two girders both above and below the deck, and a blast centered on a girder both above and below the deck. For the two load cases from above, a TNT equivalent of 250 pounds at a four-foot standoff distance was investigated. This load resulted in highly localized damage with the possibility for other sections of the bridge to be immediately reopened after the event. For the two load cases from below, a TNT equivalent of 500 pounds at a ten-foot standoff distance was investigated. Results indicate that the slab will be heavily damaged but the girders will remain intact.
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Details
- Title
- Blast effects on prestressed concrete bridges
- Creators
- Debra Sue Matthews
- Contributors
- David I. McLean (Degree Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Department of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; [Pullman, Washington] :
- Identifiers
- 99900525289501842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis