Analysis of a bridge collapsed by an accidental blast loads

Analysis of the structural failure of a bridge caused by an accidental fireworks explosion is presented in this paper. The equivalent mass of TNT due to the fireworks explosion and the structural response of the bridge due to the dynamic load imposed by the explosion are modeled by engineering algorithms and numerical simulations. Analysis confirmed that bridge failure occurred due to the blast load and there was no inherent design defect. The results of this investigation are relevant towards understanding future events wherein a dynamic load might be accidentally applied to fixed structures.

• The analysis of the structural failure of a bridge caused by a blast load is presented.
• The structural response of the bridge due to the dynamic load is modeled.
• The equivalent mass of TNT is modeled via engineering algorithms and numerical simulations.
• The observed damage is consistent with the blast load imposed by the fireworks explosion.
• There was no inherent design defect in the bridge.