Regulating the dynamic behavior of a column with uncertain initial imperfections by support-placing

Dynamic behavior of two-span columns with uncertain imperfections is studied. The initial imperfections are modeled as belonging to ellipsoidal set. The maximum and minimum responses of the structure are determined via the convex analysis. The maximum response then is regulated by suitable choice of the support location. Specifically, we determine the location of the support so as to yield the minimum of the maximum response. By this means we minimize, by support placing, the worst, anti-optimized response of the structure, and thus increase its safety. Whereas there are studies devoted to uncertain imperfections, as well as to free vibration of structures with additional supports, the present study appears to be the first one that introduces the idea of regulation by support placing in structures with uncertain imperfections.