Application of random eigenvalue analysis to assess bridge flutter probability

Abstract

This study examines the well-known issue of evaluating the flutter probability for a long-span bridge, necessary for assessing structural integrity and reliability. The motivation stems from the need for critically reviewing and investigating a number of existing numerical approaches (e.g., random perturbation analysis, collocation methods, Galerkin approach) for the modeling and the solution of stochastic dynamic problems, by adapting them to the specific problem. The study proposes a generalized formulation for stochastic bridge flutter in terms of random eigenvalue analysis. A 1200m suspension bridge model is used in the numerical simulations to compare the various methods and to provide indications on advantages and limitations of each method. Moreover, the link between the proposed formulation and existing studies on the propagation of uncertainty in aeroelastic systems, for example associated with measurement errors in wind tunnel, is examined.