Parameter Estimation and Structural Reliability Analysis for Tunnel Lining Structure Based on Maximal Entropy Principle

Considering the facts that the parameters of tunnel lining structures are random, that the distributions are various, and that the limit state functions are highly nonlinear, this paper estimates and presents the practical parameters of tunnel lining structures. The calculations are formulated in the framework of the information entropy and maximal entropy principle, so that the actual parameters are obtained. The failure probability and the reliability index are calculated using the parameters based on the Monte-Carlo direct sampling method. Then the stability of tunnel lining structure is evaluated by using the reliability index. According to the practical engineering, an example is given. The results, which are calculated by the Monte-Carlo direct sampling method and maximal entropy principle for tunnel lining structure, are more scientific and reliable. The present method, with a high precision and a fast velocity, is suitable for similar parameter estimation and reliability calculation.