Extreme-oriented sensitivity analysis using sparse polynomial chaos expansion

Application to train–track–bridge systems

Journal Article (2023)
Author(s)

Y. Shang (TU Delft - Integral Design & Management)

Maria Nogal (TU Delft - Integral Design & Management)

Rui Teixeira (University College Dublin)

R. Wolfert (TU Delft - Engineering Structures)

Research Group
Integral Design & Management
Copyright
© 2023 Y. Shang, M. Nogal Macho, Rui Teixeira, A.R.M. Wolfert
DOI related publication
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ress.2023.109818
More Info
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Publication Year
2023
Language
English
Copyright
© 2023 Y. Shang, M. Nogal Macho, Rui Teixeira, A.R.M. Wolfert
Related content
Research Group
Integral Design & Management
Volume number
243
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Abstract

The use of sensitivity analysis is essential in model development for the purposes of calibration, verification, factor prioritization, and mechanism reduction. While most contributions to sensitivity methods focus on the average model response, this paper proposes a new sensitivity method focusing on the extreme response and structural limit states, which combines an extreme-oriented sensitivity method with polynomial chaos expansion. This enables engineers to perform sensitivity analysis near given limit states and visualize the relevance of input factors to different design criteria and corresponding thresholds. The polynomial chaos expansion is used to approximate the model output and alleviate the computational cost in sensitivity analysis, which features sparsity and adaptivity to enhance efficiency. The accuracy and efficiency of the method are verified in a truss structure, which is then illustrated on a dynamic train–track–bridge system. The role of the input factors in response variability is clarified, which differs in terms of the design criteria chosen for sensitivity analysis. The method incorporates multi-scenarios and can thus be useful to support decision-making in design and management of engineering structures.