Dynamic response analysis of a floating bridge with bottom damaged opening based on the Kane method

To study the problem of the dynamic responses of the damaged floating bridge, this paper establishes the numerical model of a nonlinearly connected floating bridge based on the Kane method. The accuracy of the numerical model is verified by comparing the results from relevant literature and the model test conducted. Subsequently, considering the damaged opening at the bottom of the pontoon, the impact of different vehicle speeds, opening sizes, as well as connection gaps between pontoons on the dynamic responses of the damaged floating bridge is studied. Some conclusions are obtained: The flooding brought by the damaged opening causes the rise in vertical displacements of the damaged pontoon and the forces on the connectors. The opening and closing of the longitudinal gaps affect the sinking speed of the damaged pontoon, and the size of the gap influences both the maximum sinking displacement and the vibration period of the floating bridge. The maximum vertical displacements of the damaged pontoon and the flow rate variation at the opening location increase as the opening size expands. Reasonable selection of vehicle speeds and connection gaps between pontoons can prevent excessive dynamic responses of the damaged floating bridge.