Performance of Cable Supported Bridge Decks Subjected to Blast Loads

Study of performance of major bridges subjected to blast loads is an important first step in developing technologies that can increase resistance of these important transportation links and prevent their catastrophic failure. In this study, the behavior of two types of typical bridge deck structures, steel orthotropic box girder and composite steel-concrete plate girder, is studied. The bridge types considered in these studies are long span cable-supported bridges, in particular, anchored suspension bridges, self-anchored suspension bridges and cable-stayed bridges.