Steel and Composite Structures

Volume 9, Number 3, 2009, pages 223-237

DOI: 10.12989/scs.2009.9.3.223

A rapid assessment methodology for bridges damaged by truck strikes

C.J. Stull and C.J. Earls

Abstract

The present research aims to develop a methodology to rapidly assess bridges with damage to the superstructure, caused by overheight trucks or lower-than-average overhead clearance. Terrestrial laser scanning and image processing techniques are combined with the finite element method to arrive at an analytical model which is more accurate, with respect to the complex geometrical aspects of the bridge in its damaged configuration.

Key Words

truck strikes; bridge damage; laser scanning.

Address

C.J. Stull and C.J. Earls; Cornell University, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, 352 Hollister Hall, Ithaca, New York 14853, U.S.A.