Collision Actions on Structures

This textbook covers the collision of a moving, falling or flying object on a rigid barrier or a structural element, and the transmission of the transient action to the rest of the structural system. It is the only up-to-date book on this under-researched topic that confronts engineers on a day-to-day basis. The book deals with a range of real-life engineering problems and focuses on the application of knowledge and skillsets from structural analysis and structural dynamics. Fundamental principles and concepts on structural collision are first introduced, followed by their specific applications such as vehicular collision on bridge structures, boulder impact on rockfall barriers and collision by hail and windborne debris. Analytical solutions provided are in the form of closed-form expressions, which can be directly adopted in conventional manual calculations. The use of spreadsheets to simulate the dynamic response behaviour is also covered. The only standalone book covering the topic from a civil engineering perspective Practical guidance on real-life engineering problems, and use of computational and physical methods Conveys methodology validated experimentally The book provides an excellent guide for practitioners and sets out fundamental principles for graduate students in civil, structural and mechanical engineering.