Pure Simulation - Simplified Bridge Model

This is an experiment in pure simulation using Matlab/Simulink to investigate the performance of MR dampers in controlling highway bridges vibration. A highway bridge model with associated truck loading and control device application is developed. The bridge model is based on an actual highway bridge located in the southbound direction of Interstate 91 (I-91) in Connecticut near the town of Cromwell (Bridge # 03522). The bridge is modeled as a simple supported Euler–Bernoulli beam with eight modes included. The vehicle loading representing a Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Class 9 five axle truck traveling at a constant speed is modeled as a time and spatially varying load.