Risk assessment of dolphin protected bridge pier considering collision point analysis

Abstract

The collision of ship embraces some uncertainties, such as a direction, velocity, and location of the aberrant vessel. These uncertainties may affect on the risk from the collision and the final design of bridge and protective structures against the collision of ship. The importance of accurate consideration for uncertainties is more obvious on the protected bridges by the dolphin, since it alters the motions during the collision. This paper considers the effect of collision point along the height of the pier that usually is ignored as using a simple two-dimensional outline. In addition, it also analyzes the influence of the angle from the collision between vessel and pier. With the numerical example, it is possible to conclude that it is necessary to consider various vertical impact locations for safe design. Besides, it is sure to reduce the risk from the collision of ship, considering impact angle.