A parametric study on reliability-based TMD design against bridge flutter

We present a probabilistic methodology for designing tuned mass dampers for flutter suppression in long-span bridges. The procedure is computationally efficient and computes the probability of flutter occurrence based on a modified first-order method of reliability analysis, a reduced-order representation of the structure and a time domain formulation of aeroelastic loads. Results of a parametric investigation show that the proposed methodology is preferable to a deterministic design procedure, which relies on nominal values of mechanical and aerodynamic parameters and does not guarantee the maximum safety. Furthermore, the reliability-based approach can be effectively used in the design of multiple tuned mass damper configurations by enhancing robustness against frequency mistuning and by reducing costs associated with supplemental damping for a given safety performance level.