Modelling uncertainties in prediction of aeroelastic bridge behaviour

This paper discusses uncertainties in prediction of the aeroelastic response of cable-supported bridges. The need and the potential for a refined description of buffeting forces are addressed. The uncertainties in the estimation of the motion-dependent forces, which constitute a crucial input to advanced computational models for prediction of wind-induced bridge response including flutter, are discussed. Prediction of flutter instability in terms of contributing structural modes as well as in terms of in-wind modes is dealt with. The uncertainties related to the vortex-induced response as well as the wind-induced response of bridge cables is briefly considered. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.