Study on Extreme Wave Loads Acting on Coastal Bridges Superstructure with Curved Cross-section

Extreme wave generated by typhoons or hurricanes is one of the disasters that lead to the failure of offshore bridge structures. Existing research mostly focus on T-shaped and box girder bridges. There is few research on the wave action on the superstructure of coastal bridges with curved cross-section. In this study, a numerical model of wave impact on the superstructure of coastal bridges with curved cross-section was setup based on computational fluid dynamics software. The wave forces on the bridge deck with curved cross-section were obtained by the numerical model. The numerical results of wave profiles and forces were compared with hydrodynamic experimental data to validate the accuracy of the numerical model. With the validated numerical model, the entire process of wave impact on the bridge deck with curved cross-section were simulated. The temporal and spectral characteristics were obtained from the numerical results. The wave forces on bridge deck with box girder and curved cross-section were compared. The influence of the rise of curved cross-section on wave forces were investigated. This research shows that the bridge deck with curved cross-section experience minor horizontal wave force in comparison with bridge deck with box girder. The curved cross-section with high aspect ratio of rise is beneficial for reducing vertical wave forces, but has limited influence on horizontal forces. The wave force on bridge deck with curved cross-section is significantly affected by the clearance. Generally, the bridge deck experiences greater horizontal force for semi-submergence condition and greater vertical force for elevated conditions. This study has practical value for the design of coastal bridges.