Abstract: Precise prediction for mechanical behavior of the bridge pier under collision force is important to assess the safety of the bridge and conduct the reasonable anti-collision structural design. Due to the complicated structure and complex external force during the collision, an accurate simulation of the behaviors under the collision currently mainly depends on numerical method. This paper focuses on the Runyang cable-stayed bridge to expand anti-collision design, which is based on the nonlinear finite element of ANSYS/LS-DYNA to simulate the ship′s bow section of 3000t class hitting North Bridge tower column at front, axle to 20° of front and axle to 20° of side. Curves of collision force-period and absorbed-period on different working conditions are summarized. The data was compared with the empirical formula. On the basis of these curves and data, a structural design of anti-collision facility is conducted. Comparing the collision at the anti-collision facilities and the non-anticollision facilities by the finite element, the results show that the empirical formula has different results quitely in different countries, so it must be combined with the finite element to calculate collision force. At the same time, the anti-collision system of D350 has a large anti-collision deformation capacity and good energy absorption cushioning effect. It can weaken the impact force on bow itself and suffered pier. Compared with non-collision facilities, the impact force of pier can fall by 34% at setting anti-collision devices by numerical simulation.

Key words: ship-bridge collision, collision force, composites, anti-collision design, nonlinear finite element simulation