Analysis of Large Truck Collisions with Bridge Piers: Phase 1. Report of Guidelines for Designing Bridge Piers and Abutments for Vehicle Collisions

The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) Bridge Design Specifications require that “abutments and piers located within a distance of 30.0 ft of the edge of the roadway, or within a distance of 50.0 ft to the centerline of a railway track, shall be designed for an equivalent static force of 400 kip…” Magnitude of the design force (400 kip) was established from data available at the time the LRFD specification was prepared. Supporting documentation for this design requirement, both its applicability and magnitude of the design force, was not extensive. Further detailed guidance for the design engineer is not available. The objective of this research effort is to address the following two questions: 1. What risks warrant application of this requirement? 2. Is the magnitude of design force (400 kip) appropriate? This is a report of work performed under Phase 1 of this multi-state pooled funds project.