Guidelines for Designing Bridge Piers and Abutments for Vehicle Collisions

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General Information
Study Number: TPF-5(106)
Former Study Number:
Lead Organization: Texas Department of Transportation
Contract Start Date: Mar 26, 2007
Solicitation Number: 860
Partners: FL, GADOT, KS, MN, NY, OH, PADOT, TN, TX, WI
Status: Closed
Est. Completion Date:
Contract/Other Number:
Last Updated: Aug 05, 2011
Contract End Date: Feb 28, 2010
Financial Summary
Contract Amount: $574,689.00
Suggested Contribution:
Total Commitments Received: $430,000.00
100% SP&R Approval: Approved
Contact Information
Lead Study Contact(s): Charmaine Richardson
rtimain@txdot.gov
Phone: 512-416-4726
Organization Year Commitments Technical Contact Name Funding Contact Name
Florida Department of Transportation 2006 $50,000.00 Charles Boyd Patti Brannon
Georgia Department of Transportation 2006 $25,000.00 Paul Liles Georgene Geary
Georgia Department of Transportation 2007 $25,000.00 Paul Liles Georgene Geary
Kansas Department of Transportation 2007 $25,000.00 Loren Risch Rodney Montney
Kansas Department of Transportation 2008 $25,000.00 Loren Risch Rodney Montney
Minnesota Department of Transportation 2008 $0.00
New York State Department of Transportation 2006 $30,000.00 Art Yannotti Gary Frederick
Ohio Department of Transportation 2007 $25,000.00 Sean Meddles General Research
Ohio Department of Transportation 2008 $25,000.00 Sean Meddles General Research
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation 2007 $25,000.00 William Longstreet Bonnie Fields
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation 2008 $25,000.00 William Longstreet Bonnie Fields
Tennessee Department of Transportation 2006 $25,000.00 Edward Wasserman Stephanie Vincent
Tennessee Department of Transportation 2007 $25,000.00 Edward Wasserman Stephanie Vincent
Texas Department of Transportation 2007 $50,000.00 Gregg Freeby Frank Bailey
Wisconsin Department of Transportation 2006 $25,000.00 Lori Richter
Wisconsin Department of Transportation 2007 $25,000.00 Lori Richter

Study Description

Traffic counts, traffic mixes and site geometry combine to influence the probability of a collision and the magnitude of the consequences of a collision and are not included in the Specification. A probabilistic risk analysis for determining the design requirements should be considered/developed for designing piers and abutments for vehicle collisions. Magnitude of the design force (400 KIP) was established from data available at the time the LRFD Specification was prepared. Additional data/information are now available and more are needed to address whether the magnitude of the 400 KIP design force should be changed. Recent tests with single unit trucks colliding with fixed bollards and concrete walls have yielded data that will be applicable. More information for heavily loaded articulated vehicles is still needed. Some helpful information might be obtained from reconstruction of recent collisions of such vehicles that have occurred in the field.

Objectives

The AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications require that "abutments and piers located within a distance of 30.0 FT of the edge of the roadway, or within a distance of 50.0 FT to the centerline of a railway track, shall be designed for an equivalent static force of 400 KIP..." Supporting documentation for this design requirement, both its applicability and the magnitude of the design force, is not extensive. Further detailed guidance for the design engineer is not available. Two issues need to be addressed: 1. What risks warrant application of this requirement? 2. Is the magnitude of design force (400 KIP) appropriate?

Scope of Work

This project will be conducted in two phases, as listed below. All Phase 1 work shall be completed, and recommendations for Phase 2 work (if any) approved by the project sponsors, prior to commencement of any Phase 2 research activities. Project Phasing and Suggested Tasks: Phase 1 (18 months, $300,000 estimated) will include the following tasks: 1a. Literature review, 1b. Computer simulations of vehicle/bridge column and abutment collisions, 1c. Accident survey and analysis study, 1d. Development of a risk analysis methodology for vehicle/bridge column and abutment collisions (analogous to AASHTO LRFD vessel impact requirements). 1e. Detailed justification and work plan for research (if any) to be conducted under Phase 2 of the project. 1f. Provide facilities and host a meeting to present Phase 1 results to project sponsors, including pooled fund project participants from other state DOTs. Include $20,000 line item in project budget for reimbursement of travel expenses for out-of-state participants. Phase 2 (6 months, $125,000 estimated) may include the following tasks: 2a. Crash testing with a single unit truck to verify loading from Phase 1 literature survey and computer simulations. 2b. Crash testing of a 5-axle tractor trailer rig to verify loading from Phase 1 literature survey and computer simulations.

Subjects: Bridges, Other Structures, and Hydraulics and Hydrology

Documents Attached
Title File/Link Document Category Document Type Privacy Document Date Download
Progress Report 05/31/2010 TPF-5(106)_3rdQtr10.pdf Progress Report Quarterly Progress Report Public 2010-06-10
Reporting Period: 06/01/2010 - 08/31/2010 TPF-5(106)_4thQtr10.pdf Progress Report Quarterly Progress Report Public 2010-09-17
Progress Report: 11/30/2009 progress_report_2009-11-30.pdf Progress Report Quarterly Progress Report Public 2010-01-13
Crash Test: November 12th, 2009. 80,000 lb tractor-trailer at 50 mph. Maximum force imparted to the column was 600 Kips. 429730-1A.wmv Other Other Public 2009-12-07
Semi-Annual Progress Report: March 1, 2009 - August 31, 2009 progress_report_2009-08-31.pdf Progress Report Quarterly Progress Report Public 2009-09-02
Semi-Annual Progress Report: 02/28/2010 progress_report_2010-02-28.pdf Progress Report Quarterly Progress Report Public 2010-03-22
Final Agenda 04-14-2009 Meeting Final_Agenda_04-14-2009_Mtg.pdf Other Other Public 2009-05-11
2009-04-14 Panel meeting - Crash Risk Analysis Bridge_pier_project_Srinivas.pdf Other Other Public 2009-05-11
2009-04-14 Panel meeting - Simulation Analysis 2009-04-14-Panel_meeting_Pier_Impact_sim_TASK.pdf Other Other Public 2009-05-11
Semi-Annual Progress Report 02/28/2009 semi_annual_report_2009-02-28.pdf Progress Report Quarterly Progress Report Public 2009-03-05
Progress Report: 5/31/2009 progress_report_2009-05-31.pdf Progress Report Quarterly Progress Report Public 2009-06-16
2009-04-14 Meeting TxDOT Presentation - Phase 2 TxDOTPres9-4973Phase2.pdf Other Other Public 2009-05-11
2009-04-14 Meeting TxDOT Presentation TxDOTPres2009-04-14.pdf Other Other Public 2009-05-11
Research Overview for Meeting 04-14-2009 Research_Overview 04-09-2009Freeby.pdf Other Other Public 2009-05-11
Project Meeting Minute 04-14-2009 ProjMtgMinutes04-14-09.pdf Other Other Public 2009-05-11
Quarterly Report: 9/1/08 - 11/30/08 TPF-5_106_1stQtr09.pdf Progress Report Quarterly Progress Report Public 2008-12-16
Semi-Annual Report: September 1, 2007 - February 29, 2008 semi_annual_report_2008-02-29.pdf Progress Report Quarterly Progress Report Public 2008-03-17
Progress Report 12/31/2007 progress_report_2007-12-31.pdf Progress Report Quarterly Progress Report Public 2008-01-23
Project Meeting Minutes - 8/13/2008 ProjMtgMinutes08-13-08_1.pdf Other Other Public 2008-09-09
Attachment for Meeting on 8/13/2008 Meeting_Attachment-2008-08-13.pdf Other Other Public 2008-09-09
Semi-Annual Report: March 1, 2008 - August 31, 2008 progress_report_2008-08-31.pdf TPF Study Documentation Research Report Public 2008-09-01
Semi-Annual Progress Report 08/31/2007 progress_report_2007-08-01.pdf Progress Report Quarterly Progress Report Public 2007-08-06
Progress Report 05/31/2007 progress_report_2007-06-01.pdf Progress Report Quarterly Progress Report Public 2007-08-06
Column Shear Capacity ColumnShearCapacity_1.pdf TPF Study Documentation Research Report Public 2007-12-14
Ballast Analysis Ballast_Analysis.pdf TPF Study Documentation Research Report Public 2007-12-14
Matrix I MatrixI.pdf TPF Study Documentation Research Report Public 2007-12-14
Matrix II MatrixII.pdf TPF Study Documentation Research Report Public 2007-12-14
Project Meeting Minutes 11/06/2007 Project_Meeting_Minutes_110607.pdf Other Other Public 2007-12-14
Documents Attached
Title File/Link Document Category Document Type Privacy Document Date Download
Guidelines for Designing Bridge Piers and Abutments for Vehicle Collisions 860.pdf TPF Study Documentation Solicitation Public 2011-09-25

Guidelines for Designing Bridge Piers and Abutments for Vehicle Collisions

General Information
Study Number: TPF-5(106)
Lead Organization: Texas Department of Transportation
Contract Start Date: Mar 26, 2007
Solicitation Number: 860
Partners: FL, GADOT, KS, MN, NY, OH, PADOT, TN, TX, WI
Status: Closed
Est. Completion Date:
Contract/Other Number:
Last Updated: Aug 05, 2011
Contract End Date: Feb 28, 2010
Financial Summary
Contract Amount: $574,689.00
Total Commitments Received: $430,000.00
100% SP&R Approval:
Contact Information
Lead Study Contact(s): Charmaine Richardson
rtimain@txdot.gov
Phone: 512-416-4726
Commitments by Organizations
Organization Year Commitments Technical Contact Name Funding Contact Name Contact Number Email Address
Florida Department of Transportation 2006 $50,000.00 Charles Boyd Patti Brannon 850-414-4616 patti.brannon@dot.state.fl.us
Georgia Department of Transportation 2006 $25,000.00 Paul Liles Georgene Geary 404-363-7512 Georgene.Geary@dot.state.ga.us
Georgia Department of Transportation 2007 $25,000.00 Paul Liles Georgene Geary 404-363-7512 Georgene.Geary@dot.state.ga.us
Kansas Department of Transportation 2007 $25,000.00 Loren Risch Rodney Montney 785-291-3844 rodney@ksdot.org
Kansas Department of Transportation 2008 $25,000.00 Loren Risch Rodney Montney 785-291-3844 rodney@ksdot.org
Minnesota Department of Transportation 2008 $0.00
New York State Department of Transportation 2006 $30,000.00 Art Yannotti Gary Frederick 518-457-4645 gary.frederick@dot.ny.gov
Ohio Department of Transportation 2007 $25,000.00 Sean Meddles General Research 614-644-8135 Research@dot.state.oh.us
Ohio Department of Transportation 2008 $25,000.00 Sean Meddles General Research 614-644-8135 Research@dot.state.oh.us
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation 2007 $25,000.00 William Longstreet Bonnie Fields 717-214-8686 bfields@state.pa.us
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation 2008 $25,000.00 William Longstreet Bonnie Fields 717-214-8686 bfields@state.pa.us
Tennessee Department of Transportation 2006 $25,000.00 Edward Wasserman Stephanie Vincent 615.741.2203 Stephanie.Vincent@tn.gov
Tennessee Department of Transportation 2007 $25,000.00 Edward Wasserman Stephanie Vincent 615.741.2203 Stephanie.Vincent@tn.gov
Texas Department of Transportation 2007 $50,000.00 Gregg Freeby Frank Bailey 512- 416-4730 rtimain@txdot.gov
Wisconsin Department of Transportation 2006 $25,000.00 Lori Richter 608-264-8435 lori.richter@dot.wi.gov
Wisconsin Department of Transportation 2007 $25,000.00 Lori Richter 608-264-8435 lori.richter@dot.wi.gov

Study Description

Study Description

Traffic counts, traffic mixes and site geometry combine to influence the probability of a collision and the magnitude of the consequences of a collision and are not included in the Specification. A probabilistic risk analysis for determining the design requirements should be considered/developed for designing piers and abutments for vehicle collisions. Magnitude of the design force (400 KIP) was established from data available at the time the LRFD Specification was prepared. Additional data/information are now available and more are needed to address whether the magnitude of the 400 KIP design force should be changed. Recent tests with single unit trucks colliding with fixed bollards and concrete walls have yielded data that will be applicable. More information for heavily loaded articulated vehicles is still needed. Some helpful information might be obtained from reconstruction of recent collisions of such vehicles that have occurred in the field.

Objectives

The AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications require that "abutments and piers located within a distance of 30.0 FT of the edge of the roadway, or within a distance of 50.0 FT to the centerline of a railway track, shall be designed for an equivalent static force of 400 KIP..." Supporting documentation for this design requirement, both its applicability and the magnitude of the design force, is not extensive. Further detailed guidance for the design engineer is not available. Two issues need to be addressed: 1. What risks warrant application of this requirement? 2. Is the magnitude of design force (400 KIP) appropriate?

Scope of Work

This project will be conducted in two phases, as listed below. All Phase 1 work shall be completed, and recommendations for Phase 2 work (if any) approved by the project sponsors, prior to commencement of any Phase 2 research activities. Project Phasing and Suggested Tasks: Phase 1 (18 months, $300,000 estimated) will include the following tasks: 1a. Literature review, 1b. Computer simulations of vehicle/bridge column and abutment collisions, 1c. Accident survey and analysis study, 1d. Development of a risk analysis methodology for vehicle/bridge column and abutment collisions (analogous to AASHTO LRFD vessel impact requirements). 1e. Detailed justification and work plan for research (if any) to be conducted under Phase 2 of the project. 1f. Provide facilities and host a meeting to present Phase 1 results to project sponsors, including pooled fund project participants from other state DOTs. Include $20,000 line item in project budget for reimbursement of travel expenses for out-of-state participants. Phase 2 (6 months, $125,000 estimated) may include the following tasks: 2a. Crash testing with a single unit truck to verify loading from Phase 1 literature survey and computer simulations. 2b. Crash testing of a 5-axle tractor trailer rig to verify loading from Phase 1 literature survey and computer simulations.

Subjects: Bridges, Other Structures, and Hydraulics and Hydrology

Title File/Link Type Private
Reporting Period: 06/01/2010 - 08/31/2010 TPF-5(106)_4thQtr10.pdf Progress Report Public
Progress Report 05/31/2010 TPF-5(106)_3rdQtr10.pdf Progress Report Public
Semi-Annual Progress Report: 02/28/2010 progress_report_2010-02-28.pdf Progress Report Public
Progress Report: 11/30/2009 progress_report_2009-11-30.pdf Progress Report Public
Crash Test: November 12th, 2009. 80,000 lb tractor-trailer at 50 mph. Maximum force imparted to the column was 600 Kips. 429730-1A.wmv Other Public
Semi-Annual Progress Report: March 1, 2009 - August 31, 2009 progress_report_2009-08-31.pdf Progress Report Public
Progress Report: 5/31/2009 progress_report_2009-05-31.pdf Progress Report Public
2009-04-14 Panel meeting - Simulation Analysis 2009-04-14-Panel_meeting_Pier_Impact_sim_TASK.pdf Other Public
2009-04-14 Panel meeting - Crash Risk Analysis Bridge_pier_project_Srinivas.pdf Other Public
Final Agenda 04-14-2009 Meeting Final_Agenda_04-14-2009_Mtg.pdf Other Public
Project Meeting Minute 04-14-2009 ProjMtgMinutes04-14-09.pdf Other Public
Research Overview for Meeting 04-14-2009 Research_Overview 04-09-2009Freeby.pdf Other Public
2009-04-14 Meeting TxDOT Presentation TxDOTPres2009-04-14.pdf Other Public
2009-04-14 Meeting TxDOT Presentation - Phase 2 TxDOTPres9-4973Phase2.pdf Other Public
Semi-Annual Progress Report 02/28/2009 semi_annual_report_2009-02-28.pdf Progress Report Public
Quarterly Report: 9/1/08 - 11/30/08 TPF-5_106_1stQtr09.pdf Progress Report Public
Attachment for Meeting on 8/13/2008 Meeting_Attachment-2008-08-13.pdf Other Public
Project Meeting Minutes - 8/13/2008 ProjMtgMinutes08-13-08_1.pdf Other Public
Semi-Annual Report: March 1, 2008 - August 31, 2008 progress_report_2008-08-31.pdf TPF Study Documentation Public
Semi-Annual Report: September 1, 2007 - February 29, 2008 semi_annual_report_2008-02-29.pdf Progress Report Public
Progress Report 12/31/2007 progress_report_2007-12-31.pdf Progress Report Public
Project Meeting Minutes 11/06/2007 Project_Meeting_Minutes_110607.pdf Other Public
Matrix II MatrixII.pdf TPF Study Documentation Public
Matrix I MatrixI.pdf TPF Study Documentation Public
Ballast Analysis Ballast_Analysis.pdf TPF Study Documentation Public
Column Shear Capacity ColumnShearCapacity_1.pdf TPF Study Documentation Public
Progress Report 05/31/2007 progress_report_2007-06-01.pdf Progress Report Public
Semi-Annual Progress Report 08/31/2007 progress_report_2007-08-01.pdf Progress Report Public
Title File/Link Type Private
Guidelines for Designing Bridge Piers and Abutments for Vehicle Collisions 860.pdf TPF Study Documentation Public

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