Presentation Topic: Overview of AASHTO Ship Collision Criteria for Bridges & Francis Scott Key Bridge Replacement
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Abstract: Worldwide attention about ship collision issues occurred after the Key bridge collapsed on March 26, 2024, due to a collision by the M/V Dali (a large container ship that was outbound from the Port of Baltimore) that caused the total collapse of the main section of the long-span bridge and 8 fatalities. The lecture will include the background of the AASHTO vessel collision design provisions for bridges with examples of historic bridge collapses due to ship and barge impacts. An overview of the AASHTO risk analysis procedures will be provided as well as how the basic analysis principles in the Bridge Design Code can be modified to incorporate complex channel geometries and navigation regulations related to ship operations as part of the vessel collision analysis and design process for bridges. Alternative types of physical protection structures and non-physical protection measures to reduce the risk of collision will be illustrated. The design currently underway for the Francis Scott Key bridge replacement in Baltimore, MD will be briefly discussed.
Presenter: Michael Knott, PE – Senior Vice President Emeritus, Moffatt & Nichol
Michael Knott, PE, is Senior Vice President Emeritus with Moffatt & Nichol, a global engineering consulting firm specializing in transportation, port facilities, and coastal engineering. Mike is a world recognized expert on complex issues related to extreme events, bridge design, port engineering, and heavy marine foundations. During his 48-year career, he developed a unique expertise on the specialized subject of ship and barge collisions with bridges and marine structures and has conducted vessel collision analysis, design, and evaluations for over 100 bridge projects. He was the principal author of the AASHTO Guide Specification on Vessel Collision Design of Highway Bridges, 2nd Edition 2009, as well as the previous edition published in 1991. Mike was a selected member of the National Academy of Sciences team of bridge experts which developed the original AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications in 1994 for FHWA and AASHTO. He has represented the U.S. on several PIANC and IABSE working groups developing international criteria for ship collision with bridges and has authored and co-authored technical papers and publications related to extreme event design for bridges, including vessel collision, scour and coastal storms.
Mike is a graduate of Virginia Tech, receiving his BSCE in 1974 and a MSCE in 1975. In his senior year he also served as President of the Student Engineering Council. Mike will be giving the lecture on behalf of the authors.
When: Thursday, November 13th, 2025
11:45 AM -12 PM – Sign in and Networking
12 PM -1PM – Presentation
Where: Libbie Mill Library, 2100 Libbie Lake E St., Richmond, VA 23230
Registration Price:
Members: $15 members (In-Person & Virtual)
Non-Members: $20
Late Ticket: $20 ($25 Non-Members)
Students: Free
Lunch is included with purchase of ticket.
PDH: 1.0 HR