Response spectrum-based method for calculating the reaction force of piers subjected to truck collisions

A previously proposed and validated coupled mass-spring-damper (CMSD) model for simulating truck collisions on bridge piers is used to gain insight into the main parameters affecting the problem. It is shown that the model can be simplified into an equivalent two-degree-of-freedom dynamic system that captures the basic mechanical characteristics of the impact problem. By treating the impact demand caused by the colliding truck's engine and cargo separately, simple and unified response spectra are proposed. The spectra are suitable for use in a design office situation to determine the reaction due to truck collision. A proposed design procedure is validated using the CMSD results and it is shown that it has reasonable accuracy.