Proposed design procedure for reinforced concrete bridge columns subjected to vehicle collisions

In this study, analytical investigation and numerical simulations are utilized to examine the responses of reinforced concrete bridge columns (RCBC) against vehicle collisions. Based on the numerical results, a simplified approach is developed for analysis and design of RCBCs to resist vehicle collisions. RCBCs impacted by a medium truck and a heavy truck trailer at different velocities are considered. Based on the numerical results, empirical equations to determine the maximum shear force and bending moment at column critical sections are proposed. A single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) system is employed to predict the dynamic response of the column. A procedure to design RCBCs under vehicle collision with either flexural bending or brittle shear failure governed response of the column is proposed. Two design examples of RCBC under medium truck impact and heavy truck impact are given in this study to demonstrate the proposed procedure.