###### Abstract  
By using the ABAQUS finite element (FE) model, which has been verified by experiments, the deformation and internal force changes of RC columns during the impact process are investigated, and a parametric analysis is conducted under different impact kinetic energies \(E_{\text{k}}\). According to the development path of the bottom bending moment-column top displacement curve under impact, the member is in a slight damage state when the curve rebounds before reaching the peak and in a moderate or severe damage state when the curve exceeds the peak, in which case the specific damage state of the member needs to be determined by examining whether there is a secondary descending stage in the curve. Accordingly, a qualitative method for evaluating the bending failure of RC column members under impact is obtained. In addition, the damage state of RC columns under impact can also be quantitatively evaluated by the ratio of the equivalent static load \(F_{\text{eq}}\) and the ultimate static load-bearing capacity \(F_{\text{su}}\). horizontal impact; numerical model; reinforced concrete column; dynamic response; evaluation method 202111122  
and shear failure of the members. [PERSON] et al. carried out laboratory tests of circular RC pairs [7] and CFRP strengthened RC pier [8] using a pendulum impact system. In the test, an added mass consisted of a concrete block, and steel plates were placed on the top of the specimens to model the actual axial loading from the superstructure. It can be observed from these impact tests that without the presence of gravitational acceleration, the impact force-time histories are significantly different from those of the drop-weight impact tests. [PERSON] et al. [9] conducted the experimental investigation on the behaviour of shear-deficient reinforced circular RC columns using a novel horizontal collision facility. With the boundary conditions of a cantilever and fixed simple support, a total of ten RC columns with two types of volumetric transverse reinforcement ratios were designed. The impact force position was \(1/4\) of the column height. The post-impact damage of all specimens exhibited brittle shear-type damage, which is characterised by one main diagonal crack starting from the impact point to the bottom of RC columns. [PERSON] et al. [10] conducted an experimental investigation on the buckling behavior of a column subjected to a transverse impact during static axial compression in relation to structural energy absorption. It was found that the critical condition of buckling generation was determined by the kinetic energy of the impactor, irrelevant to the impact force history. However, similar tests aimed at investigating the impact-resistance responses of wharves are rarely reported, in which the top position is often under the collisions of vessels during the docking. As an important means of studying the load-bearing performance of RC members, structural tests are not suitable on a large scale due to such disadvantages as high costs, long experimental periods, and limited resources. With the development of computer technology and numerical analysis methods, these problems can be solved by combining nonlinear finite element (FE) techniques to efficiently perform a parametric analysis. [PERSON] et al. [11] used the FE software ABAQUS to establish the full 3D model and the simplified shell model of a filigree ceiling slab, respectively. Compared with the calculation results of the simplified model and 3D solid element model, the effectiveness of the simplified model was verified, which provides a method for quick and engineering calculations of composite plates with spatial trusses. [PERSON] [12, 13] analyzed the dynamic response of axially pre-loaded steel tubes subjected to low-speed lateral impact by an experiment and numerical simulation.