Analysis of the collapsed and replaced Tex-Wash bridges exposed to severe floods Online publication date: Fri, 13-May-2022
by Maryam Tabbakhha; Abolhassan Astaneh-Asl
International Journal of Earthquake and Impact Engineering (IJEIE), Vol. 4, No. 1, 2022
Abstract: The eastbound span of Tex-Wash Bridge collapsed due to severe flooding in 2015. The behaviour of the bridge under the flood is simulated using ANSYS. Next, a parametric study is performed to study the influence of velocity and depth of floodwaters on the performance of the bridge. Finally, the performance of the replaced bridge under the same flood event is evaluated. Results indicate only a slight increase in the velocity of water raises the pressure that is applied to the structure considerably. Also, the depth of water has a considerable effect on the response of the bridge. The study shows new replacement bridge is capable of resisting the same flood scenario. However, if floodwaters overflow the bridge deck, the buoyancy forces will uplift the hollow concrete deck girders. The uplift can be prevented by having holes in the hollow box girders, and having shear keys and uplift anchors at the girder supports.
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