Full-scale experimental and numerical assessment of honeycomb vessel anti-collision gate

With the increasing risk of vessel collisions with sector gates caused by growing maritime traffic, the development of more effective anti-collision systems becomes essential. This study presents a novel anti-collision system for sector gates that incorporates reinforced aluminum honeycomb panels integrated with a specialized bracing structure. Through full-scale collision experiments and numerical simulations, the system's performance is evaluated under various impact cases, including different vessel speeds and angles. The findings reveal that the system exhibits excellent deformation recovery, with over 75 % of the deformation being elastic, thereby maintaining the gate's structural integrity even after repeated impacts. Additionally, the system significantly outperforms traditional designs, reducing strain energy by over 85 % and peak stress by more than 50 %, while also achieving a 39.7 % reduction in overall weight. These results underscore the potential of reinforced aluminum honeycomb panels to substantially improve the safety and durability of sector gates, demonstrating their applicability in protective structures and contributing to advancements in maritime infrastructure. • A novel anti-collision system integrates reinforced aluminum honeycomb panels. • Full-scale experiments and simulations were conducted under various impact conditions. • The anti-collision system reduces strain energy by 85 % and peak stress by over 50 %. • Modular panel design allows easy replacement, reducing weight by 39.7 %. • Superior energy absorption ensures sector gate safety under repeated impacts.