Analysis of factors causing the Baltimore bridge collapse.

United States, President of the Association of Structural Engineers. Analyzing the factors causing the Baltimore bridge collapse Pointing out that it was a progressive collapse, starting with the middle pier being hit by a cargo ship and breaking. Pull the steel frame and the rest will fall down. from the collapse of the Baltimore bridge in the state of maryland United States In the middle of the night on Tuesday, March 26, Prof. Dr. Amorn Pimanmat, President of the Structural Engineers Association of Thailand analyzed the cause of the collapse of the said bridge, explaining that the Baltimore Bridge It is a bridge with 4 traffic lanes and a total length of 2.6 kilometers. The bridge's structural system is a Through steel Truss Bridge type with 3 continuous arch sections (Continuous arch) supported by reinforced concrete pillars. Prof. Dr. Amorn analyzed the sequence of events of the collapse (Failure scenario) that it occurred from a large cargo ship. Collided with the main pier (Main Pier) located in the middle of the water. causing the pier to collapse This then caused the steel truss bridge to collapse as it lost its support point. The nature of the collapse was a progressive collapse, starting with the middle pier being hit by a cargo ship and breaking. After that, the steel frame that stood on the pole fell down. and because the structure is continuous Therefore pulling it back causing the remaining steel frame to eventually fall as well. As for the factors that lead to ship collisions and disasters, Three issues were noted: Mistakes by the person steering the boat during the night May be in a state of fatigue This causes errors in controlling the navigation route. There is a fault in the mechanical system. or the engine or navigation system of a ship Makes it impossible to control the direction of the ship's movement. In terms of structure The weight-bearing capacity of the pier cannot withstand the force of the collision caused by a ship strike. It was noticed that the cargo ship was very heavy. Whe n colliding with a stanchion It will create enormous momentum and impact force. It can cause the pier to collapse. As for the real cause What will it be like? It must be the responsibility of local agencies with direct authority to collect data and analyze it. And it will take some time to conclude the true cause. Prof. Dr. Amon further explained that In designing the engineering bridge structure, according to international standards If it is the construction of a bridge across a river or sea with ships passing by In addition to being designed to support the weight of cars running on the bridge, The piers must also be designed to withstand impacts from ship strikes. or otherwise A separate structure must be built to protect the piers or an artificial island must be built around the piers. To prevent the ship from coming directly into contact with the mast. for the collapse of the Baltimore bridge It is a very great tragedy. Not only in the United States. But every country around the world This kind of thin g can happen as well. Therefore, for a bridge located in a river with boat traffic passing by. Therefore, the weight-bearing capacity of the bridge pier should be assessed to see how much it can withstand the force of a collision from a ship. and determine necessary measures to prevent bridge collapse accidents like this in the future.- Source: Thai News Agency