Uncertainty Propagation in Estimated Structural Parameters Owing to Univariate Uncertain Parameter Using RSM and PDEM

The existence of uncertainty even in a single structural parameter may lead to random responses from the structure. This results in propagation of uncertainty in some other parameters estimated using these random responses. Therefore, to understand the behavior of any structure, investigation of the stochastic system is essential in structural health monitoring (SHM). For this purpose, response surface methodology (RSM) is applied for stiffness calculation. Probability density evolution method (PDEM) is employed for quick and efficient generation of the probability density function (PDF). In this study, the top floor mass is considered as random input parameter for PDEM. PDF of the random parameter is discretized into representative points. RSM is used to carry out inverse optimization for finding the structural properties (i.e., stiffness). PDEM is then employed for generating the PDF of stiffness. From the PDF of stiffness, it can be seen how randomness propagates from the system uncertainty into the estimated parameters.