Analytical solution of hurricane wave forces acting on submerged bridge decks

Abstract

Hurricane waves are catastrophic disasters that cause damage to coastal bridges with insufficient clearance. This study presents an analytical method to estimate the wave forces acting on a submerged bridge superstructure during a hurricane based on the potential flow approach. The boundary value problem of the submerged bridge deck under wave action is analyzed first, and the mathematical formula for the analytical solution is derived using the eigenfunction matching method. To validate the effectiveness of the analytical model, results are compared to test data from two hydrodynamic experiments on the wave action of bridge decks. Finally, the AASHTO model is discussed, and a simple method for estimating the maximum horizontal and vertical wave forces is proposed. The analysis results indicate that the proposed analytical model can be used effectively for prediction of the maximum wave forces acting on a submerged bridge superstructure during hurricane waves.