Protection of columns against impact load

Columns in underground car parks, overpass bridges and medium to low rise buildings located close to major roads and intersections are highly vulnerable to impact loads from moving vehicles. This research would examine the structural performance of column in a building subjected to vehicle impact loading. Due to high speed vehicle impact the column may damage severely and lost its design strength which may lead to fail the column and eventually progressive collapse may occur in the building. Current design codes are not suitable to assess the vulnerability of the critical columns which are exposed to moving vehicle impact load. A reliable protective barrier around the column is necessary to protect the column which is exposed to the road side. In this research, a protective barrier will be developed and a design guideline for the protective barrier will also be provided for different types anticipated car impact on the column.