This technology is a bridge pier collision mitigation device that absorbs ship impact energy. It features multiple detachable grooves on the surface of a body surrounding the underwater section of a pier, into which cushioning units—composed of honeycomb structures and packing parts of varying diameters with embedded elastic reinforcement—are inserted so that they partially protrude.
When ships accidentally collide with bridge piers in seas or rivers, both the vessel and the pier can be damaged, potentially leading to casualties. Traditionally, used tires tied with wires have been used as buffers. However, these wires corrode easily in water, failing to maintain their integrity. Furthermore, modular shock-absorption systems that wrap around the entire pier are bulky and expensive, as even minor damage requires replacing the entire unit.
This technology utilizes a multi-layered structure where a second cushioning unit with a smaller through-hole is suspended inside a first cushioning unit, which features a central through-hole and an inward-facing hexagonal cross-section. The space between and around them is filled with first and second packing members, all encased in a cover with embedded reinforcement. The cover’s protruding members are designed to break during major impacts, allowing only the damaged unit to detach. A luminescent coating on the cover’s exterior marks the pier's location at night. Applicable to bridge piers in shipping lanes, river bridge foundations, and harbor structures, this system allows for the replacement of only the damaged unit, significantly reducing maintenance costs and time while mitigating impact on vessels.
This invention was developed with support from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy for the development of technology to manufacture and utilize Portland cement substituting more than 5wt.% of limestone using non-carbonate raw materials.
N/A
