A Pioneering Integration of Structural Health Assessments and Dynamic Analyses: Bridge Pier Responses to the Impact of Floating Objects during Extreme Floods

Abstract

This study presents a transformative dynamic amplification factor for assessing the resilience of over-river bridges, informed by the real-world conditions of flood events. Through advanced finite element analysis, we unveil how the interplay between mass and velocity of floating objects significantly influences bridge pier responses, challenging conventional assessment methods. Our findings reveal potential inadequacies in current design standards, such as AASHTO and AS5100, and introduces a dynamic multiplier that enhances structural health assessment algorithms. The core contribution of this research is a data-driven analysis approach, which is critical for the proactive maintenance and risk assessment of bridge infrastructures in areas prone to flooding. By redefining the parameters for damage-level identification, our work advocates for a shift towards more resilient infrastructure systems in the face of global climate change.