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Explicit collapse analysis of the Morandi bridge using the AEM

Authors:
Daniele Malomo at McGill University
Daniele Malomo
Nicola Scattarreggia at University School for Advanced Studies IUSS Pavia
Nicola Scattarreggia
Rui Pinho at University of Pavia
Rui Pinho
Matteo Moratti at University of Pavia
Matteo Moratti
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Abstract

Explicit collapse analysis of bridges still represents an open challenge in numerical modeling. In this work, an innovative micro-modeling approach, the Applied Element Method, is used to investigate potential triggering factors that might have contributed to the collapse of the Morandi bridge (Genoa, Italy) that occurred on August 2018. To this end, the influence of several parameters, including reduction of cables cross-section (potentially induced by corrosion) and impulsive loading effects, has been scrutinized through a sensitivity study. Observed and pre-dicted debris were also compared to assess which of the various causative scenarios may be deemed as potentially plausible, and which may instead be readily excluded.
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Explicit collapse analysis of the Morandi bridge using the AEM
D. Malomo
University of Pavia & Mosayk Ltd, Pavia, Italy
Nicola Scattarreggia
Istituto Universitario di Studi Superiori (IUSS), Pavia, Italy
R. Pinho
University of Pavia & Mosayk Ltd, Pavia, Italy
M. Moratti
Studio Calvi Ltd., Pavia, Italy
G.M. Calvi
Istituto Universitario di Studi Superiori (IUSS) & Eucentre, Pavia, Italy
ABSTRACT: Explicit collapse analysis of bridges still represents an open challenge in numerical
modeling. In this work, an innovative micro-modeling approach, the Applied Element Method, is
used to investigate potential triggering factors that might have contributed to the collapse of the
Morandi bridge (Genoa, Italy) that occurred on August 2018. To this end, the influence of several
parameters, including reduction of cables cross-section (potentially induced by corrosion) and
impulsive loading effects, has been scrutinized through a sensitivity study. Observed and pre-
dicted debris were also compared to assess which of the various causative scenarios may be
deemed as potentially plausible, and which may instead be readily excluded.
Morandi, R. (1967b). “Il viadotto del Polcevera dell’Autostrada Genova – Savona.” Un-
published report.
Okamura, H., and Maekawa, K. (1991). “Nonlinear analysis and constitutive models of rein-
forced concrete.” Giho-do press, Tokyo (Japan) - ISBN: 978-4-7655-1506-1, 10(2), 42.
Orgnoni, A. (2019). "Detailed finite element modelling of the construction sequence of the Mo-
randi Bridge." MEng Dissertation, Civil Engineering and Architecture Department, University of
Pavia, Italy.
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States.” Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities, 17(3), 144–150.
Learning from failure propagation in steel truss bridges
Article
Full-text available
  • Jul 2023
  • ENG FAIL ANAL
Although truss-type bridge collapses usually have catastrophic consequences, their analysis present opportunities for improving different aspects in the field of bridge engineering, such as structural assessment, structural health monitoring, maintenance and conservation or even design strategies. As the world experiences more extreme events, efforts have been made to design more resilient bridges that can withstand local failures. Forensic techniques have contributed to understanding the causes and risk factors of bridge failures, and the creation of collapse databases has provided valuable insights for preventing such failures. However, these databases often focus on the hazards and do not provide information on initial damage and how it propagates, which is essential for improving the progressive collapse resistance of truss-type bridges. The main novelty of this paper is to present a methodology to identify triggering events leading to progressive collapse on truss-type bridges. It is the first time that a methodology includes a novel database which collects detailed information on initial damages and its propagation, as well as the consequences of the collapse. The methodology was implemented by collecting information from 25 case studies present in the literature. Results have allowed to identify most frequent initial constituted damages states or failures (ICDS) leading progressive collapse. In terms of consequences, results were thoroughly analysed and compared with predictions from different casualty models. The findings showed that the proposed methodology serves as an effective tool for identifying the triggering events of progressive collapse in truss-type bridges.
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Analysis of Recent Bridge Failures in the United States
Article
  • Aug 2003
Over 500 failures of bridge structures in the United States between 1989 and 2000 were studied. The age of the failed bridges ranged from 1 year ~during construction! to 157 years, with an average of 52.5 years. The most frequent causes of bridge failures were attributed to floods and collisions. Flood and scour, with the major flood disaster in 1993, contributed to the frequency peak of bridge failures ~almost 53% of all failures!. Bridge overload and lateral impact forces from trucks, barges/ships, and trains constitute 20% of the total bridge failures. Other frequent principal causes are design, detailing, construction, material, and maintenance. Comparison made among three periods of similar studies ~1977-1981, 1982-1988, and 1989-2000! revealed almost similar trends, with most failures occurring during the bridge's service life. Also, human-induced external events occurred frequently in all three periods, but were most dominant in the first and third periods. Technological advances in information systems have a great impact on data collection and analysis.
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Il viadotto del Polcevera dell'Autostrada Genova -Savona
  • Jan 1967
  • R Morandi
Morandi, R. (1967b). "Il viadotto del Polcevera dell'Autostrada Genova -Savona." Unpublished report.