Dynamic response of RC and CFFT columns under impact loading caused by vehicle collison: Numerical simulation

In this study, the dynamic response of Concrete-filled Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) tubes (CFFTS) bridge columns under vehicle collision has been numerically investigated by using a numerical model verified against experimental testing data. The former experimental study investigated the behavior of including reinforced concert (RC), unreinforced CFFT and steel-reinforced CFFT columns under lateral impact loading using a pendulum machine. A three-dimensional finite-element (FE) model was developed to simulate the impact behavior of the tested columns. The comparison between numerical results and test results showed that the numerical model captured the overall behavior of the columns with reasonable accuracy. The verified FE model was used to investigate the response of CFFT bridge columns under a heavy 45-foot tractor-trailer impact. The influence of column diameter, reinforcement detailing, and impact speed were numerically studied. It was concluded that the CFFT columns performed better than RC columns when subjected to a 45-foot tractor-trailer impact at 80 Kph. It was also concluded that the threshold failure impact velocity for the considered setup is between 90–95 kph. In addition, the CFFT column diameter and impact velocity have a great influence on the impact resistance of CFFT columns.