Large lateral forces on bridge foundations due to extreme events such as vessel
collisions, earthquakes, and wave forces on storm surges during hurricane
events are often the controlling design condition for bridge foundations. A review
of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials
(AASHTO) vessel collision analysis and design codes used in the United States
for highway bridges will be presented. The paper includes the background and
development of the AASHTO Guide Specification and Commentary for Vessel
Collision Design of Highway Bridges (1991) and vessel collision provisions of the
AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications (3rd Edition 2004 and the
approved 2005 Interims). Experience in using the AASHTO codes will be
discussed and observations on the adequacy and gaps, comparison with the
European Standard Code, and recommendations for immediate and long term
needs will be presented.
Author: Michael A. Knott, Moffatt & Nichol
Publisher: DFI