Download Bayesian Methods for Structural Dynamics and Civil Engineering  Easily In PDF Format For Free.

PREFACE:

Bayesian inference is a statistical process that quantifies the degree of belief of hypothesis, events or values of parameters. Many Bayesian methods have been developed in various areas of science and engineering, especially in statistical physics, medical sciences, electrical engineering, and information sciences, etc. 

Since there are many types of modeling and parametric uncertainty in civil engineering problems, Bayesian probabilistic methods are useful in the estimation of uncertain parameters and quantification of the associated uncertainties.

 For example, loadings, such as earthquake ground motion or complete wind pressure profile, cannot be predetermined at the structural design stage. It is also difficult to determine to a very precise level the mechanical properties for some materials, e.g., concrete, rock and soil, etc. 

Hourly/daily emission rates by vehicles and factories are uncertain. It is also difficult to obtain the spatial distribution of the air quality information in the nearby region. Otherwise, the transportation of air pollutants can be modeled.

 Furthermore, the meteorological conditions including wind speed, wind direction and rainfall of the day for prediction are also uncertain. These are important factors for modeling the pollutant flow and also for determination of dam design capacity. Traffic loads are also uncertain. 

These are just some of the civil engineering examples for which Bayesian probabilistic methods are applicable. Even though Bayesian inference is useful for uncertainty quantification in civil engineering applications, the literature shows that Bayesian research in civil engineering has great potential for exploration. This book introduces some recently developed Bayesian methods and applications to a variety of areas in civil engineering although structural dynamics is the main focus.

 These methods are developed for the identification of dynamical systems, but some of them are also applicable to static systems. There are two levels of system identification problems to be considered although they are strongly related. 

The first level is parametric identification with a specified model class. A number of methods are presented for different working conditions in different identification problems. The second level is on the selection of model class.

 In other words, it attempts to use measurement to infer not only the uncertain parameters but also a suitable model class for system identification. This book presents various applications in civil engineering, including air quality prediction, finite-element model updating, hydraulic jump, seismic attenuation relationship, and structural health monitoring, etc..