Cellular cofferdam as bridge pier protection

[learnerydy]

For design of cellular cofferdam as bridge protection, how to simplify the structure to calculate the energy absorbed capacity? In other words, what is the mechanism for cofferdam to absorb energy? By deformation of structure or by displacement of rigid body? Are there any references?

 

[DBNodurf]

If you simplify the structure, will you really be able to to calculate the energy absorption capacity? You need a finite-element analysis and model it as it really is.

D. Bruce Nothdurft, MSCE, PE, PG, M.ASCE, etc, etc,...
Principal Engineer/Geologist
Atlantic Geoscience & Engineering
Charlotte, NC

 

[ishvaaag]

Searches akin to this surely will revel some nice articles:

http://www.google.es/search?q=bridge+impact+cofferdams&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=es&meta=

 

[DBNodurf]

ishvaaag,
google says this site is not to be found!

D. Bruce Nothdurft, MSCE, PE, PG, M.ASCE, etc, etc,...
Principal Engineer/Geologist
Atlantic Geoscience & Engineering
Charlotte, NC