Impact dynamics analyses on an innovative fiber-reinforced rubber composite bumper system for bridge protection

To reduce damage resulting from ship collisions and protect the bridge, an innovative fiber-reinforced rubber composite bumper system consisting of a steel box and a soft body is introduced in this study. Three specimens with different impact speed of the cart and the spacing of the steel box web were tested. These tests were carried out using scaled models to obtain impact force-time history curves. Subsequently, the collision failure modes were analyzed. Analysis results reveal that these anti-collision facilities not only have the capacity to reduce damage to ships but also protect the bridge's pier. Furthermore, the energy absorption behavior of the system was examined. To further test the practicality of the approach, the main piers of an actual-sized cable-stayed bridge were equipped with fiber-reinforced rubber composite bumper systems for collision simulation. In simulations of ship-bridge collisions, cases with and without anti-collision facilities were compared. A decrease in the peak impact force and an extension of the impact process when using the fiber-reinforced rubber composite bumper system were found. Its effectiveness in safeguarding both ships and bridge piers is highlighted. Additionally, a parameter study on velocity was conducted, demonstrating the system's ability to withstand higher energy impacts. Furthermore, it was found that changes in stiffener and soft layer thickness can influence the impact force response.