Reliable dynamic analysis of an uncertain compound bridge under traffic loads

In this paper the dynamic response of compound bridges under moving loads is analyzed. The main structure is modeled as a two-layer beam consisting of a steel girder connected elastically to the concrete deck. The governing sixth-order partial differential equation of motion of the homogenized beam is extended to include uncertainty in the mechanical property of the interface. The slip modulus is considered to be a random variable, whose probability density function is considered to be zero outside of a given interval, that is, it is a member of a fuzzy set with bounded uncertainty. The analysis of the illustrative problem is based on the interval representation with a triangular membership function of the slip modulus assigned. Membership functions of the random natural frequencies are determined. Both, fuzzy peak deflection and acceleration are derived for a single-span compound bridge subjected to a single moving load as well as to a series of repetitive moving loads traveling with constant speed.