Analytical Method for Bridge Overturning Analysis Coupled with Rigid and Deformable Body Rotation

Abstract

A series of bridge overturning accidents in recent years indicates that single-column pier bridges are susceptible to overturning failure. However, the traditional calculation method was incapable of ensuring an accurate prediction of the ultimate overturning capacity, which may lead to serious consequences in engineering practice. In this work, an analytical method was proposed based on the identified failure mechanisms. The forensic survey was first carried out on two typical overturning cases, and the findings of the surveys were summarized into three typical overturning failure modes and their corresponding criterion for failure evaluation. Further, the analytical method was proposed on the assumption that overturning of the girder consists of rigid and deformable body rotation and characters including radial bending and torsional deformation were considered. The method was later validated by the field data of the overturning cases. Besides, factors influencing the results were also compared and analyzed. The results demonstrate that, in comparison with the conventional calculation method, the proposed approach more effectively accounts for spatial parameter variations and nonlinear factors during girder rotation, thereby aligning better with the actual overturning process.