Response of structures with uncertain-but-bounded parameters subjected to dynamic actions

The dynamic analysis of linear structures with uncertain parameters subjected to deterministic excitations is addressed. The fluctuating structural properties are modelled as uncertain-but-bounded parameters using interval analysis. In this paper, a novel procedure for estimating the lower and upper bounds of the dynamic response is proposed. Basically, the method expresses the response as sum of the interval particular solution, evaluated in approximate explicit form, and the interval transient response obtained by means of approximate relationships. Once the sets of ordinary differential equations governing the response are solved, the bounds of the response are obtained by handy formulas.