Random Response Analysis of a Long-span Suspension Bridge Tower and Pier with Consideration of Nonlinear Foundation

Abstract

The nonlinear foundation effect upon the response of the tower and pier system of a long-span suspension bridge is investigated by the random vibration theory. As the equivalent linearlization yields the nonproportional damping matrix, the exact response is evaluated both through the frequency domain analysis and the complex mode analysis. Also discussed is the approximate response analysis using classical normal modes for the practical design procedure.