An economic device for protecting bridge piers against ship collisions

Ship collisions against bridge piers have caused considerable damage (loss of human lives and partial structural destruction) in some instances. The present technical note discusses, in preliminary form, some of the advantages of a device developed at the Institute of Applied Mechanics. It is hoped that this short report will stimulate discussion, analysis and further development of the current investigations, and contribute to improving the defence of a bridge pier located in a seaway.