On stochastic dynamics of floating bridges

A theoretical analysis of the dynamic behaviour of floating bridges is presented. The main emphasis is placed on the wave-induced response. The waves on the sea surface are idealized as a three-dimensional zero mean covariance stationary Gaussian process and the wave loading processes are derived using the linearized probabilistic potential theory. The structural idealization is based on the finite element technique. Alternative solution techniques of the equations of motion are discussed, including a sample treatment based on Monte Carlo simulation of time-space realizations of the wave loading processes combined with step-by-step integration. Results from numerical analysis of a continuous curved floating bridge are presented. This includes a demonstration of the influences of the shortcrestedness of waves on the structural response.