Građevinar, Vol. 78 No. 04., 2026.
Preliminary communication
https://doi.org/10.14256/JCE.4488.2025
Numerical investigation of barge collision with a bridge column
Hrvoje Draganić
Etna Marković
Mario Jeleč
Abstract
A vessel-bridge collision can result in severe loss of life and substantial damage. This study presents a numerical analysis of the vessel impact on a column of the Ilok-Bačka Palanka bridge in Croatia. Using finite element modelling, different barge–column interactions under multiple loading conditions were simulated. The numerical model includes realistic vessel and bridge-pier geometry, as well as material behaviour. The numerical simulation results were compared with the damage caused to the column after the impact. The column damage was evaluated using a concrete degradation modelled via an erosion-based algorithm driven by instantaneous geometric strain. The calibrated numerical model was also used in a parametric analysis to determine the influence of the impact direction and speed on the observed bridge pier.
Keywords
vessel collision; case study; bridge column; numerical analysis; concrete degradation
Hrčak ID:
348648
URI
Publication date:
9.6.2026.
Visits: 0 *