Analytical Studies on the Load Carrying Capacity of Riveted Steel Girders Subjected to Collision Damage

Abstract

Accidents resulting in obstruction to train services sometimes occur due to collisions involving construction vehicles that exceed the height limit passing under old railway bridges. In this study, we used multipurpose LS-DYNA FEM code to analytically investigate the effects of collision deformation patterns and levels of damage on the load carrying capacity of riveted steel girders. Through this investigation, it was concluded that in cases where the lower flange is locally warped, the load carrying capacity of girders does not decrease, and in cases where out-of-plane deformation is caused, performance decreases slightly in comparison to that of an undamaged girder.