Design and evaluation of bridge collapse protection brackets using topology optimization techniques

Abstract

A lightweight and highly rigid shape for a bridge collapse protection bracket was developed using topology optimization. The design was refined for compatibility, manufacturability, and cost-effectiveness, resulting in a commercially viable product. This paper aims to verify the final design, demonstrating a balance between weight reduction and performance. A full-scale product was fabricated using a 3D sand mold layering machine based on the final design, and its performance was validated through experimentation. A comparative analysis with computational results also confirmed the performance and safety of the final design.