Stochastic dynamic finite element analysis of bridge–vehicle system subjected to random material properties and loadings

• Statistical dynamic analysis on bridge–vehicle interaction problem with random material properties and moving loads.
• Mathematical model of bridge–vehicle system is established by FEM and Karhunen–Loéve expansion.
• Some statistical response of the system are obtained and checked by Monte Carlo simulation.

This paper performs the statistical dynamic analysis on the bridge–vehicle interaction problem with randomness in material properties and moving loads. The bridge is modeled as a laminated composite beam with Gaussian random elastic modulus and mass density of material with random moving forces on top. The mathematical model of the bridge–vehicle system is established based on the finite element model in which the Gaussian random processes are represented by the Karhunen–Loéve expansion. Some statistical response such as the mean value and standard deviation of the deflections of the beam are obtained and checked by Monte Carlo simulation.