Orthogonal analysis and optimization of a K4-rating auto-lifting anti-ram bollard system

Abstract

The anti-ram bollard system (ABS) is installed around the perimeter of buildings and infrastructures to prevent the penetration of unauthorized vehicles and reduce the blast and debris caused by the vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIED). Comparing with the fixed anti-ram bollard system (FABS), the auto-lifting anti-ram bollard system (AABS) has the advantage to be set down automatically to allow authorized vehicles passing on. In this paper, a configuration of K4-rating AABS is proposed and a finite-element model is developed to simulate its performance. Differences between vehicle model and real vehicle, effects of boundary conditions are both taken into account. The effectiveness and accuracy of the numerical simulation are validated through predicting the results of relevant experiments. Based on the verified numerical model, 32 groups of numerical experiments of K4-rating AABS are investigated using an orthogonal array L32 (48×81). The order and significant levels of nine affecting factors are identified on the basis of the range analysis and variance analysis, respectively. It shows that gaps between substructure and outer sleeve, wall thickness of substructure, wall thickness of steel tube, diameter of steel tube and thickness of stiffening ribs have significant influences on the behavior of AABS. The optimal design is proposed according to the orthogonal analysis.