Integrative Sensitivity Analysis Applied to Semi-Integral Concrete Bridges

Abstract

In numerical simulations of engineering structures, several physical phenomena are represented by partial models, and the selection of the important partial models is usually based on engineering judgment. The quantitative assessment of how these partial models influence various response quantities is possible using variance-based sensitivity analysis. However, this provides information only on local positions in the structure. The present paper extends the sensitivity analysis at local positions to the integrative sensitivity analysis of the entire structural load-bearing behavior. In addition to the assessment of the partial model’s sensitivity, the method includes the local response significance factor, which relates the sensitivity to the response significance at each position in the structure. The integrative sensitivity analysis is applied to the numerical simulation of semi-integral concrete bridges to evaluate the partial model’s influence with respect to the entire integral structure. The quantitative assessment of the integrative sensitivity for varying pier heights and different loading conditions in the serviceability limit state and the ultimate limit state allows conclusions with practical engineering relevance.