Influence of aeroelastic parameters uncertainty into the reliability of long-span bridges against extre me wind loads

Resumen

This work presents an investigation into the influence of aeroelastic parameters on the reliability of bridges subjected to extreme wind loads. The increasing span lengths of recent suspension bridges necessitate a more detailed and precise examination of their behavior in the face of aeroelastic phenomena. Phenomena such as flutter or buffeting can lead to structural serviceability issues or even structural collapse. Therefore, analyses of these phenomena have been conducted in specific cases of largespan bridges, considering various parameters influencing the structure’s response to aeroelastic phenomena. These considerations encompass factors such as the impact of static deformation on the aeroelastic behavior of the bridge deck and the incorporation of mechanical dampers to enhance structural damping. Furthermore, the parameters governing these phenomena carry associated uncertainties due to diverse factors. This uncertainty has been characterized, and a reliability analysis has been carried out using a probabilistic approach, determining the probability of structural failure considering aeroelastic phenomena. This probabilistic approach has been applied to a large-span bridge, introducing the most critical aeroelastic parameters as random variables. The probability of structure failure has been assessed, considering both flutter and buffeting phenomena. This comprehensive analysis provides insights into the robustness and reliability of the structure under extreme wind load phenomena, contributing to a more informed understanding of its aeroelastic performance.