Analysis of a bridge failure due to fire using computational fluid dynamics and finite element models

Abstract

ElsevierPaya-Zaforteza, I.; Garlock, ME.; Loma-Ossorio, E.; Hospitaler Pérez, A. (2014). Analysis of a bridge failure due to fire using computational fluid dynamics and finite element models. Engineering Structures. 68:96-110. doi:10.1016Structures. 68:96-110. doi:10. /j.engstruct.2014 Please, cite this paper as:Alos-Moya, J., Paya-Zaforteza, I., Garlock, M.E.M., Loma-Ossorio, E., Schiffner, D., Hospitaler, A. Analysis of a bridge failure due to fire using computational fluid dynamics and finite element models (2014) Engineering Structures, 68: 96-110. DOI: 10.1016/j.engstruct.2014 Please, cite this paper as:Alos-Moya, J., Paya-Zaforteza, I., Garlock, M.E.M., Loma-Ossorio, E., Schiffner, D., Hospitaler, A. Analysis of a bridge failure due to fire using computational fluid dynamics and finite element models (2014 AbstractBridge fires are a major concern because of the consequences that these kind of events have and because they are a real threat. However, bridge fire response is under researched and not covered in the codes. This paper studies the capabilities of numerical models to predict the fire response of a bridge and provides modeling guidelines useful for improving bridge design. To reach this goal, a numerical analysis of the fire of the I-65 overpass in Birmingham, Alabama, USA in 2002 is carried out. The analyses are based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) for creating the fire model, and finite element (FE) software for obtaining the thermomechanical response of the bridge. The models are validated with parametric studies that consider heat release rate of the spilled fuel, discretization of the fire temperature in the transition from CFD to FE modeling, and boundary conditions. The validated model is used in a study to evaluate the influence of fire scenario (CFD versus standard fires), and live load. Results show that numerical models are able to simulate the response of the bridge and can be used as a basis for a performance-based approach for the design of bridges under fire.Additionally, it is found that applying the Eurocode standard and hydrocarbon fires along the full length of the bridge does not adequately represent a real bridge fire response for medium-long span bridges such as this case study. The study also shows that live loads essentially do not influence the response of the bridge.Keywords: fire, bridge, CFD, steel girder bridge, I-65 overpass, performance-based design.Please, cite this paper as:Alos-Moya, J., Paya-Zaforteza, I., Garlock, M.E.M., Loma-Ossorio, E., Schiffner, D., Hospitaler, A. Analysis of a bridge failure due to fire using computational fluid dynamics and finite element models (2014) Engineering Structures, 68: 96-110.

A streamlined framework for calculating the response of steel-supported bridges to open-air tanker truck fires

“…As shown in Table 1, CFD analysis has been implemented for several forensic studies of the aforementioned MacArthur Maze [14,15] and Birmingham, AL bridge fire events [5,16], as well as for the evaluation of a new steel bridge design [17]. These tools are robust and generate significant levels of numerical resolution; however, they are also computationally expensive and may not be practical in many applications due to budgetary and scheduling constraints.…”

“…The summary of these studies in Table 1 shows that although high-fidelity CFD modeling was used to calculate the heat transfer from the fire to the structural elements, the fire intensity was often represented very simply using either a constant maximum fire temperature [15], a constant maximum heat release rate per area [14,16], or a heat release rate time history from previously published references [5,17]. The proposed framework uses both semiempirical and analytical calculations in its approach to modeling the fire itself, thereby allowing the user to tailor the overall analysis of the bridge's response to a variety of fuel types, spill footprints, and other fire scenario parameters.…”

Development and application of a simulation approach for fire and structure interaction of concrete members subject to spalling

“…In the absence of any bridge design codes and standards with regard to fire safety (NFPA 502 being the exception, although its guidelines are not very detailed), performance‐based methods for fire safety design of new bridges and assessment strategies for existing bridges are gaining importance. Recent studies have explored various approaches to address the bridge fire problem . Although the results of these studies are promising, much more work is needed to develop effective fire risk mitigating solutions.…”

Residual Axial Capacity Comparison of CFFT and RC Bridge Columns after Fire

“…Alos-Moya et al [19] conducted a finite element (FE) and computational fluid dynamic (CFD) analysis of the Interstate 65 (I-65) overpass in Birmingham, Alabama that failed due to fire in 2002. The resulting numerical models were able to accurately replicate the performance and failure of the plate girder bridge.…”