BRIDGE PIER ANALYSIS FOR SHIP IMPACT

A comprehensive computer program that analyzes bridge piers including the pier structure, nonlinear piles, and nonlinear soil interaction is discussed. The program, LPGSTAN (laterally loaded pile group and structural analysis), includes pile group effects, missing and battered piles, and bridge connection effects. The program is unique in that the analysis models are defined by using the designer specifications such as pile spacing, number of columns, and soil layer information. All model definition and result review are performed in a graphical environment. The program has not been tested by comparisons with data in the literature on pile group tests and an extensive series of centrifuge tests performed at the University of Florida. The program is in use at the Florida Department of Transportation and consulting firms throughout Florida. An overview of the program's assumptions, modeling, and capabilities is given.