Stochastic Finite-Element Analysis for Elastic Buckling of Stiffened Panels

The variability of the random buckling loads of beams and plates with stochastically varying material and geometric properties is studied in this paper using the concept of the variability response function. The elastic modulus, moment of inertia, and thickness are assumed to be described by homogeneous stochastic fields. The variance of the buckling load is expressed as the integral of the auto- and cross-spectral density functions characterizing the stochastic fields multiplied by the deterministic variability response functions. Using this expression spectral-distribution-free upper bounds of the buckling load variability are established. Further, the buckling load variability for prescribed forms of the spectral density functions is calculated. Using a local average approach, the commercial finite-element package ABAQUS is incorporated into the analysis of these random buckling loads. The technique is applied to study variability of the critical buckling load of a stiffened steel plate used in experiments to model a barge deck.     

Transient Dynamics of Stochastically Parametered Beams

The problem of determining the statistics of the transient response of randomly inhomogeneous beams is formulated. This is based on the use of stochastic dynamic stiffness coefficients in conjunction with the fast Fourier transform algorithm. The dynamic stiffness coefficients, in turn, are determined using a stochastic finite-element formulation that employs frequency-dependent shape functions. The approach is illustrated by analyzing the response of a random rod subject to a boxcar type of axial impact and, also, by considering the flexural response of a randomly inhomogeneous beam resting on a randomly varying Winkler's foundation and subjected to the action of a moving force. A discussion on the treatment of system property random fields as being non-Gaussian in nature is presented. Also discussed are the methods for handling nonzero initial conditions within the framework of the frequency domain response analysis employed in the study. Satisfactory comparisons between the analytical results and simulation results are demonstrated.     

Stochastic Finite Elements with Multiple Random Non-Gaussian Properties

The spectral formulation of the stochastic finite-element method is applied to the problem of heat conduction in a random medium. Specifically, the conductivity of the medium, as well as its heat capacity are treated as uncorrelated random processes with spatial random fluctuations. Using the spectral stochastic finite-element method, this paper analyzes the sensitivity of heat conduction problems to probabilistic models of random data. In particular, both the thermal conductivity and the heat capacity of the medium are assumed to be uncertain. The implementation of the method is demonstrated for both Gaussian and lognormal material properties, modeled either as random variables or random processes.     

Modal Testing, Finite-Element Model Updating, and Dynamic Analysis of an Arch Type Steel Footbridge

This paper describes an arch type steel footbridge, its analytical modeling, modal testing, finite-element model updating, and dynamic analysis. A modern steel footbridge which has an arch type structural system and is located on the Karadeniz coast road in Trabzon, Turkey is selected as an application. An analytical modal analysis is performed on the developed three-dimensional finite-element model of footbridge to provide analytical frequencies and mode shapes. Field ambient vibration tests on the footbridge deck under natural excitation such as human walking and traffic loads are conducted. The output-only modal parameter identification is carried out by using peak picking of the average normalized power spectral densities in the frequency domain and stochastic subspace identification in the time domain, and dynamic characteristics such as natural frequencies, mode shapes, and damping ratios are determined. The finite-element model of the footbridge is updated to minimize the differences between analytically and experimentally estimated modal properties by changing some uncertain modeling parameters such as material properties. Dynamic analyses of the footbridge before and after finite-element model updating are performed using the 1992 Erzincan earthquake record. At the end of the study, maximum differences in the natural frequencies are reduced from 22 to only 5% and good agreement is found between analytical and experimental dynamic characteristics such as natural frequencies and mode shapes by model updating. Also, maximum displacements and principal stresses before and after model updating are compared with each other.     

Sensitivity Statistics of 3D Structures under Parametric Uncertainty

Determination of sensitivity gradient is a major prerequisite for structural optimization, reliability assessment, and parameter identification. As the conventional deterministic sensitivity analysis cannot provide complete information, stochastic analysis is needed to tackle the uncertainties in structural parameters. This study focuses on the utility of the stochastic finite-element method for random response sensitivity analysis. The stochastic modeling of a random parameter is based on a commonly used 2D local averaging method generalized for a 3D case. The Choleski decomposition technique is then employed for digital simulation. The Neumann expansion based finite-element simulation method is extended for stochastic sensitivity analysis. This technique leads to a considerable saving of computational time. Example problems are used to compare the accuracy of this method to the direct Monte Carlo simulation and perturbation method in terms of varying stochasticity and efficiency in CPU time.     

Wishart Random Matrices in Probabilistic Structural Mechanics

Uncertainties need to be taken into account for credible predictions of the dynamic response of complex structural systems in the high and medium frequency ranges of vibration. Such uncertainties should include uncertainties in the system parameters and those arising due to the modeling of a complex system. For most practical systems, the detailed and complete information regarding these two types of uncertainties is not available. In this paper, the Wishart random matrix model is proposed to quantify the total uncertainty in the mass, stiffness, and damping matrices when such detailed information regarding uncertainty is unavailable. Using two approaches, namely, (a) the maximum entropy approach; and (b) a matrix factorization approach, it is shown that the Wishart random matrix model is the simplest possible random matrix model for uncertainty quantification in discrete linear dynamical systems. Four possible approaches for identifying the parameters of the Wishart distribution are proposed and compared. It is shown that out of the four parameter choices, the best approach is when the mean of the inverse of the random matrices is same as the inverse of the mean of the corresponding matrix. A simple simulation algorithm is developed to implement the Wishart random matrix model in conjunction with the conventional finite-element method. The method is applied vibration of a cantilever plate with two different types of uncertainties across the frequency range. Statistics of dynamic responses obtained using the suggested Wishart random matrix model agree well with the results obtained from the direct Monte Carlo simulation.     

Dynamic Response of Closed-Loop System with Uncertain Parameters Using Interval Finite-Element Method

Using the interval finite-element method, the vibration control problem of structures with interval parameters is discussed, which is approximated by a deterministic one. Based on the first-order Taylor expansion, a method to solve the interval dynamic response of the closed-loop system is presented. The expressions of the interval stiffness and interval mass matrix are developed directly with the interval parameters. With matrix perturbation and interval extension theory, the algorithm for estimating the upper and lower bounds of dynamic responses is developed. The results are derived in terms of eigenvalues and left and right eigenvectors of the second-order systems. The present method is applied to a vibration system to illustrate the application. The effect of the different levels of uncertainties of interval parameters on responses is discussed. The comparison of the present method with the classical random perturbation is given, and the numerical results show that the present method is valid when the parameter uncertainties are small compared with the corresponding mean values.     

Transient Dynamic Nonlinear Analysis Using MIMD Computer Architectures

This paper presents research on the use of homogeneous parallel and heterogeneous distributed computers for finite-element analysis of transient dynamic problems using a message passing interface. The appropriate computer architectures are discussed, and this review is the basis for the development of a new definition of computational efficiency for heterogeneously distributed finite-element analysis. A code for the transient nonlinear analysis of reinforced concrete plates is profiled. It is demonstrated that although the code is efficient for homogeneous computing systems a new message passing procedure must be developed for heterogeneously distributed systems. A new algorithm is developed and tested on a heterogeneous system of workstations.     

Dynamic Field Test, System Identification, and Modal Validation of an RC Minaret: Preprocessing and Postprocessing the Wind-Induced Ambient Vibration Data

The investigation of dynamic response for civil engineering structures largely depends on a detailed understanding of their dynamic characteristics, such as the natural frequencies, mode shapes, and modal damping ratios. Dynamic characteristics of structures may be obtained numerically and experimentally. The finite-element method is widely used to model structural systems numerically. However, there are some uncertainties in numerical models. Material properties and boundary conditions may not be modeled correctly. There may be some microcracks in the structures, and these cracks may directly affect the modeling parameters. Modal testing gives correct uncertain modeling parameters that lead to better predictions of the dynamic behavior of a target structure. Therefore, dynamic behavior of special structures, such as minarets, should be determined with ambient vibration tests. The vibration test results may be used to update numerical models and to detect microcracks distributed along the structure. The operational modal analysis procedure consists of several phases. First, vibration tests are carried out, spectral functions are produced from raw measured acceleration records, dynamic characteristics are determined by analyzing processed spectral functions, and finally analytical models are calibrated or updated depending on experimental analysis results. In this study, an ambient vibration test is conducted on the minaret under natural excitations, such as wind effects and human movement. The dynamic response of the minaret is measured through an array of four trixial force-balanced accelerometers deployed along the whole length of the minaret. The raw measured data obtained from ambient vibration testing are analyzed with the SignalCAD program, which was developed in MATLAB. The employed system identification procedures are based on output-only measurements because the forcing functions are not available during ambient vibration tests. The ModalCAD program developed in MATLAB is used for dynamic characteristic identification. A three-dimensional model of the minaret is constructed, and its modal analysis is performed to obtain analytical frequencies and mode shapes by using the ANSYS finite-element program. The obtained system identification results have very good agreement, thus providing a reliable set of identified modal properties (natural frequencies, damping ratios, and mode shapes) of the structure, which can be used to calibrate finite-element models and as a baseline in health monitoring studies.     

Stochastic Response of a Random Mass Structure

This paper proposes a polynomial approximation approach for the estimation of the stochastic response of a random mass structure subjected to an evolutionary random excitation. A bounded, monopeak, and symmetrically distributed probability density function, called λ-PDF, together with the Gegenbauer polynomial approximation, is introduced to deal with stochastic dynamic response problems of the random mass structures. The λ-PDF model is used to describe the random parameters in the engineering random structures. And then the Gegenbauer polynomial approximation method is used to reduce the random structures into its deterministic equivalent one. The numerical example shows the effectiveness of the proposed method to explore dynamic phenomena in random structures.     

Cyclic Behavior and Liquefaction of Sand Using Disturbed State Concept

A general constitutive modeling concept called the disturbed state concept (DSC) is developed in this research for the stress-strain and liquefaction behavior of saturated sands. The DSC model is a unified approach and allows hierarchical modeling for options like elastic and elastoplastic responses, microcracking, damage, and softening. The DSC model parameters for saturated Ottawa sand are evaluated using data from multiaxial tests. The model predictions are found to provide satisfactory correlations with the test results. The DSC model with the foregoing parameters is implemented in a nonlinear dynamic finite-element program (DSC-DYN2D). It is used to solve a typical boundary value problem—a shake table test—involving liquefaction behavior. Based on the results, it can be stated that the DSC model is capable of both characterizing the cyclic behavior of saturated sands and identification of liquefaction.     

Direct Generation of Non-Gaussian Weighted Integrals

A simple numerical algorithm is proposed for directly generating realizations of weighted integrals (or, similarly, local averages) of non-Gaussian random fields for use in simulation-based stochastic finite-element analyses. The method uses a Gaussian quadrature integration rule to numerically evaluate an individual weighted integral (or local average), thus reducing the computation of the integral to a summation of a small number of properly weighted non-Gaussian random variables. Consequently, the need to generate actual realizations of the non-Gaussian random field is eliminated. The vector of non-Gaussian random variables is obtained from a nonlinear mapping of a vector of properly correlated Gaussian random variables, which in turn is obtained from a vector of uncorrelated Gaussian random variables using modal decomposition. The “proper” correlation structure of the Gaussian random variables is established a priori from the correlation structure of the non-Gaussian random variables, which itself is established a priori from the known or desired correlation structure of the non-Gaussian random field. Numerical results are provided to demonstrate the statistical equivalence of weighted integrals (or local averages) generated using the proposed approach to those computed using conventional numerical integration of actual realizations of the non-Gaussian random field.     

Flutter and Buffeting Analysis.?I: Finite-Element and RPE Solution

A finite-element formulation is developed for analyzing flutter instability and buffeting response of long-span bridges and their interaction. The flutter derivatives, instead of the indicial functions used by previous researchers, are applied in the random parametric excitation (RPE) analysis. This application makes finite-element formulation possible and results in much less computational effort in RPE analysis than those of previous analyses. With the finite-element program developed in the present study, as many modes as desired can be easily included in the flutter and buffeting analyses. Users have the choice of RPE or eigenvalue method for flutter analysis and RPE or spectral method for buffeting analysis.     

Probabilistic Analysis of Coupled Soil Consolidation

Coupled Biot consolidation theory was combined with the random finite-element method to investigate the consolidation behavior of soil deposits with spatially variable properties in one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) spaces. The coefficient of volume compressibility (mv) and the soil permeability (k) are assumed to be lognormally distributed random variables. The random fields of mv and k are generated by the local average subdivision method which fully takes account of spatial correlation, local averaging, and cross correlations. The generated random variables are mapped onto a finite-element mesh and Monte Carlo finite-element simulations follow. The results of parametric studies are presented, which describe the effect of the standard deviation, spatial correlation length, and cross correlation coefficient on output statistics relating to the overall “equivalent” coefficient of consolidation. It is shown that the average degree of consolidation defined by excess pore pressure and settlement are different in heterogeneous soils. The dimensional effect on the soil consolidation behaviors is also investigated by comparing the 1D and 2D results.     

Upper Bound Plastic Interaction Relations for Elliptical Hollow Sections

A family of interaction expressions are developed for steel elliptical hollow sections (EHSs) subjected to combinations of axial force, biaxial bending moments, torsion, and bimoments. The formulation is based on kinematically admissible strain fields within the context of the upper bound theorem of plasticity. The interaction relations derived successfully capture the effect of confining radial strains present at welded end sections, as well as sections that are free to deform in the radial direction away from end welded sections. The interaction expressions developed consist of a set of elliptical integrals which are cast in a dimensionless form applicable for EHS of general geometries. An iterative solution technique is developed to solve the resulting nonlinear relations. The applicability of the resulting interaction relations for conducting the cross-sectional check is illustrated through examples. A comparison with shell finite-element analysis results illustrates the validity of the interaction relations derived.     

Equivalent Linearization for the Nonstationary Response Analysis of Nonlinear Systems with Random Parameters

This paper presents an approach for analyzing nonlinear systems with parameter uncertainty subjected to stochastic excitation. The uncertain parameters are modeled as time-independent random variables. A general solution procedure based on equivalent linearization is presented. The set of orthogonal polynomials associated with the probability density function is used as the solution basis for the response moments. In addition, the instantaneous equivalent stiffness and damping matrices are approximated as quadratic random functions. The resulting Liapunov system with explicit random coefficients can then be converted into a deterministic system using the method of weighted residuals. Applications to single-degree-of-freedom uncertain systems are given and the accuracy of the results is validated.     

Modal Perturbation Method and its Applications in Structural Systems

A new perturbation method is developed to solve any eigenvalue equation of the form (A0+ΔA)X? = (B0+ΔB)X?Λ? based on the solution of an original system described by A0X = B0XΛ. The eigenvectors of the modified system are expanded in a subspace spanned with a small number of vibration modes of the original system. In doing so, the former eigenvalue equation of the modified system is transformed into a set of algebraic equations, which require a significantly less computational effort to solve for the eigensolutions of complex structural systems. Four numerical examples show that the developed technique gives rise to the eigensolution of high accuracy and it is an effective approach for dynamic reanalysis of the structures with numerous degrees of freedom. In comparison with the conventional small parameter perturbation, the developed technique is applicable to a wider range of problems, and only m mode shapes are used based on the Ritz expansion so that the final solution can be derived efficiently. The technique also extends laboratory model tests for complex structures with the concept of dynamic hybrid tests numerically and experimentally.     

Stochastic Spatial Excitation Induced by a Distributed Contact on Homogenous Gaussian Random Fields

The contact between vehicle tire and pavement surface random field is typically modeled as a point contact in the literature of vehicle-pavement interaction. In reality, tire-pavement interface can be considerably larger than a point contact, particularly when a tire is not very stiff and pavements are relatively soft. This paper developed a methodological framework that approximately aggregates one- and two-dimensional random fields within the contact area by taking local, weighted spatial average to account for the distributed contact. Statistical properties such as power spectral density, autocorrelation function and variance of the induced spatial excitation are related to the counterparts of the original random field. It was found that the distributed contact acts like a low-pass filter whose bandwidth is governed by the contact interface and the weight function.     

Finite-Element Analysis and Vibration Testing of a Two-Span Masonry Arch Bridge

This paper presents the analytical modeling, modal testing, and finite-element model updating for a two-span masonry arch bridge. An Ottoman masonry arch bridge built in the 19th century and located at Camlihemsin, Rize, Turkey is selected as an example. Analytical modal analysis is performed on the developed 3D finite-element model of the bridge to obtain dynamic characteristics. The ambient vibration tests are conducted under natural excitation such as human walking. The operational modal analysis is carried out using peak picking method in the frequency domain and stochastic subspace identification method in the time domain, and dynamic characteristics (natural frequencies, mode shapes, and damping ratios) are determined experimentally. Finite-element model of the bridge is updated to minimize the differences between analytically and experimentally estimated dynamic characteristics by changing boundary conditions. At the end of the study, maximum differences in the natural frequencies are reduced on average from 18 to 7% and a good agreement is found between analytical and experimental dynamic characteristics after finite-element model updating.