Vessel Collision
The recent and tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, MD serves as a stark reminder of the importance of protecting bridges from vessel collisions. In the aftermath, there is no doubt many bridge owners all over the world will be reassessing their structures for vulnerabilities in this area. Modjeski and Masters has decades of experience in vessel collision risk assessment, vulnerability analysis, and protection design. We stand ready to assist bridge owners with assessing and protecting critical infrastructure.
Vessel Collision Experience
Modjeski and Masters expertise grew out of our participation in the 1980 Sunshine Skyway Bridge collapse investigation in Tampa Bay, FL. As a result of a collision of an empty bulk carrier with one of the bridge's anchor piers, 1,300 feet of the southbound span collapsed, and 35 lives were lost. This event was a major turning point in the development of vessel collision design criteria for bridges in the U.S.
Following the Sunshine Bridge collapse, M&M developed the “Criteria for Design of Bridge Piers Against Ship Collision in Louisiana Waterways” that was used by several states until the development of the “AASHTO Guide Specifications for Vessel Collision Design” in 1990. Since then, our staff has continued to perform site-specific vessel surveys, risk assessments, and design of protective measures against vessel collisions.
- Code Development: M&M has developed design criteria for bridge piers and their protection from vessel collisions. Our engineers know how to apply vessel collision design criteria to any situation.
- Assessments: Like our work on the Oklahoma Statewide Vessel Collision Risk Assessment and the Paris Road Bridge Vessel Collision Study, M&M can assess the vulnerability of a bridge to a potential vessel collision and make recommendations to reduce the probability and consequences of vessel collisions.
- Protection: M&M can develop and design protection systems ranging from dolphins, large diameter drilled shafts, and fender systems, to more unique and innovative systems that best fit the site conditions.
- Emergency Response: M&M has responded to: secure facilities from further damage or loss; provide site detail repairs for temporary or permanent return to service; and to investigate/document incidents.
- Investigations: M&M is often contacted to investigate accidents and offer advice on what measures can be taken to prevent future occurrences. Our engineers often provide expert witness testimony.
Contact us to learn how we can help your agency.
