# Finite Element Numerical Simulation of Deformation of Critical Vehicle Components and Damage to Retaining Walls of Emergency Escape Ramps During Truck Impacts

## TL;DR

This paper uses simulations to study how truck impacts affect vehicle components and retaining walls of escape ramps.

## Contribution

A validated finite element model was developed to analyze deformation and damage during truck impacts on retaining walls.

## Key findings

- Two stages of deformation were observed in the cockpit during impacts.
- Retaining wall damage increased with higher vehicle speed, impact angle, and bumper stiffness.
- Punching shear and corner shear damage were identified in the wall impact regions.

## Abstract

In this study, finite element numerical simulations were used to investigate the deformation of critical vehicle components and the damage characteristics of the retaining wall at the end of the emergency escape ramp after the impact of a Ford 800 truck on the retaining wall of the refuge lane. A finite element model of the reinforced concrete retaining wall of the truck was created using the LS-DYNA (R11.0) program and the correctness of the constructed finite element model was confirmed by tests. The parameters of the reinforced concrete retaining wall were determined using orthogonal tests. Finite element numerical simulations of vehicle impact on the retaining wall were carried out, and the results showed that two stages of deformation occurred at the front and rear sides of the cockpit during the impact process, and the damage of the retaining wall increased with the increase in the vehicle speed, the impact angle, and the bumper stiffness. Punching shear damage occurred in the impact region of the wall and shear damage occurred at the corners of the wall.