ETL 1110-2-563
30 Sep 04
Appendix F
Field Experiments
F-1. Introduction
Three series of full-scale impact experiments were completed under the Innovations for Navigation
Research and Development Program at ERDC. These experiments have been termed prototype, full-scale,
and crushing impact experiments. These experiments were conducted to assist with estimating actual
impact loads using typical inland waterway barge trains and to assist with developing analytical or
numerical models for barge impact design of navigations structures.
F-2. Prototype Barge Impact Experiments
a. The prototype barge impact experiments were conducted on an old lock wall at Allegheny River
Lock and Dam 2 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. These experiments were termed prototype because this type
of full-scale experiment using an inland waterway barge train has never before been attempted. The goals
of these prototype experiments were to learn how to quantify and measure barge impact forces as well as
understand the complexity of the barge-wall system during impact. The observations and results from
these prototype experiments are discussed and documented further in Patev, Barker, and Koestler
(2003b).
b. These experiments utilized four standard (8.2 by 59 m (27 by 195 ft)) open hopper rake barges.
The barges were drafting as 2.6 m (8-1/2 ft) and had a combined mass of around 3,600,000 kg (4,000
short tons). Twenty-eight impact experiments were performed on a rigid massive concrete wall, and seven
tests on frictionless Ultra-High Molecular Weight plastic fenders. The Ultra-High Molecular Weight
fenders were used to investigate the redistribution of the barge energy and direction during impact. The
experiments utilized 15 different instrumentations recorded on 28 channels on the barge train and land
wall. The instrumentation included accelerometers and strain gauges on the lead corner barge as well as
clevis pin load cells spliced into the lashings. These clevis pin load cells measured the changes in tensile
force in the lashing parts upon impact. A multi-unit Differential Global Positioning System also measured
the velocities (normal and tangential), impact angle, and rotation of the barge train during impact. A high-
speed camera (100 frames per second) and a videotape camera were set up to document the interaction of
the barge-wall system upon impact. Overall, these experiments were very valuable in providing a better
understanding of the dynamics of the barge-wall system and contributed vital data that could be used to
plan and design the full-scale barge impact experiments.
F-3. Full-Scale Barge Impact Experiments
a. The full-scale barge impact experiments were conducted on a lock wall at Robert C. Byrd Lock
and Dam (Old Gallipolis Lock) in Gallipolis Ferry, West Virginia. The primary goal of these experiments
was to measure the actual impact forces normal to the wall using a load-measuring device. The focus of
these experiments was to measure the baseline response of an inland waterway barge, quantify an MDOF
system during impact, and investigate the use of energy-absorbing fenders. The observations and results
from these full-scale experiments are discussed further in Patev, Barker, and Koestler (2003a).
b. The full-scale experiments used a 15-barge commercial barge train. The barges were jumbo open
hopper rake barges (11 by 59 m (35 by 195 ft)) and were ballasted with anthracite coal to a draft of 3 m
(9 ft). The total mass of the barge train was approximately 27,000,000 kg (30,000 short tons). The use of
the barges and a 2,088-kW (2,800-horsepower) towboat, the MS Jeffery V. Raike, was arranged under a
partnership agreement with American Electric Power River Transportation Division of Lakin, West
Virginia. A helper boat was also needed in case of emergency with the prime vessel or breakup of the
F-1
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