Reliability Analysis of Frame Structures

Methods of analysis are presented which permit the rapid evaluation of overall reliability of complex redundant structural systems made up of components and subject to loads described by the linear combinations of continuous, random statistical variables. Structures in this category include fail safe designs; and trusses, frames, plates and shells analyzed by ultimate or limit design methods. The particular example chosen to show this capability is the indeterminate frame structure subject to moment induced plastic hinge failure mechanisms. In particular, approximate methods of reliability analysis are developed which consider explicitly the correlation between interrelated failure modes. Excellent agreement with exact results are achieved. Both normal and non-normal statistical distribution are considered in detail. A number of examples are presented which demonstrate the practicality of reliability base structural design.