Bridge Demolition in Proactive Environment Using Structural Analysis Techniques

Abstract

Military demolition aims to deny mobility to the enemy in times of war. It achieves this objective through the destruction of the bridges in the face of the impending enemy. Pakistan Army has a comprehensive literature on the bridge demolition which forms the basis of our military demolition techniques and methods, however this knowledge base is dated, depending upon bridging knowledge prevalent during mid-19th century. Over the years there has been tremendous improvements in bridging technology, construction techniques and materials, thereby drastically improving the strength capacity of bridges, making the methods in vogue obsolete and unable to accrue desired results. The current practice involves using formulas to calculate charges (discussed in detail in Section 2.4) and methods of attack which are not economical and require extensive use of explosives to blow a part of bridge which is critical for its function. The idea revolves around the statement ‘Shred away the concrete and bend down the bars to such an extent the system would collapse either by self-weight or slight load of traffic passing over it.’ Due to these inherent shortcomings in the current regime, there is a need to evolve to a new direction. This research proposal therefore aims to analyse and optimise military demolition technique in order to make it more expedient, economical and achieve assured destruction of the target. This study utilizes CSI Bridge software to assess the structural characteristics, identify critical elements, and evaluate existing methods of attack. The effects of explosives on pre-stressed reinforced cement concrete (RCC) will then be simulated by modifying a modelled bridge sections to develop degraded bridge trial sections which would be evaluated to determine the most economical and expedient demolition attack options. The ultimate aim is to develop a system that collects Engineer Intelligence Data, processes it using modern structural analysis techniques, and generates "Easy to Use & Ready to Blow" bridge demolition templates, thereby enhancing the combat readiness of engineer troops on ground. The findings of this work will be significant for military and civil engineers and will guide the development of new military demolition technologies and techniques.