Progressive Failure Analysis of Long-Span Composite Cable-Stayed Bridges Under Blast Loads
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The development of robust and comprehensive measures to ensure the blast resistance of critical infrastructure, specifically long-span Composite Cable-Stayed Bridges, is necessary due to the ever-present threat of blast attacks. This research builds upon a meticulous review of recent advancements and research gaps in blast-resistant design for Composite Cable-Stayed Bridges. By doing an in-depth numerical analysis of the dynamic response of such bridges under blast loading, this work seeks to close the gap between current literature and practical problems. The present study differs from the prevailing trend of evaluating bridge vulnerability for single cable failures due to blast loads while the bridge is in intact [1-3]. The prime focus of the proposed study is on the unprecedented scenario of multiple cable losses while considering the failure in bridge deck, pylon and pier under combined blast and traffic loads, and study the progressive failure of the long-span Composite Cable-Stayed Bridges. Accordingly, the LS-DYNA explicit solver is employed in this study to perform extensive numerical simulations covering various blast scenarios on the long-span Composite Cable-Stayed Bridge. To enhance realism and practical applicability, the study adopted the Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs) placed at various locations on the bridge and investigated the dynamic response while takes into account the impact of existing traffic loads on the bridge. The critical blast locations and levels for key structural components, particularly cables and anchorages, are carefully identified. Further, the progressive failure of the bridge triggered due to the localized damage is investigated and derived some meaningful conclusions. The findings of this study providing valuable insights into the realistic and practical implications of multiple cable losses and progressive failure under combined blast and traffic loads, and contributing essential data to inform the development of enhanced blast-resistant design guidelines specifically tailored for long-span Composite Cable-Stayed Bridges.