Limiting Impact Force Due to Yielding and Buckling of the Plates and Internal Structural Frame at the Bow of a Barge during Its Head-on Impact with a Bullnose or Cellular Structure

摘要

This report presents a research study conducted to predict the impact forces that occur when a barge train impacts head-on with a circular concrete or concrete-filled structure. These structures are found at the end of lock approach walls as semicircles called bullnoses, as circular cells, and as mooring cells. This research was conducted using finite element analysis. A detailed finite element model of the bow of a jumbo hopper barge was created. LS-DYNA was used to perform impact simulations of the barge bow impacting differing diameters of cell structures and at varying approach velocities. In each case a 'capping force' was found caused by the plating and internal structure acting as a 'fuseplug' during the crushing of the bow. Although research projects have been performed focused on corner barge impacts with lock walls, little research has been conducted in the area of forces from head-on collisions between a barge and a bullnose or a cell. A complementary R&D effort has been conducted by Dr. Gary Consolazio and his research associates at the University of Florida. His research has focused on a barge impacting a bridge pier. Comparison with their results has been made when it was appropriate.