CE 281 STRUCTURAL RELIABILITY

Credits: 3:0

August-December

Instructor: C S Manohar

Background

Uncertainties are ubiquitous in structural engineering. Civil engineering structures are to be designed for loads created by environmental actions like earthquakes and wind. These actions are exceptionally uncertain in their manifestations. Materials used in civil engineering constructions also display wide scatter in their engineering properties. Structural engineering activities, on one hand, lead to increase in societal wealth, and, on the other hand, these activities also make society vulnerable to risks. A structural engineer is accountable for the decisions that he takes. A hallmark of professionalism is to quantify the risks and benefits involved. The subject of structural reliability offers a rational framework to quantify uncertainties mathematically. The subject combines theories of probability, random variables and random processes with principles of structural mechanics and forms the basis on which modern structural design codes are developed. The present course aims to introduce the basics of the structural reliability analysis procedures. The ME course students would benefit from the course by learning the basics of reliability based design and principles underlying code calibration. For research students, the course would provide the groundwork to embark upon research in this field.

Syllabus

Introduction to probability and random variables. Formulation of reliability for structural components and systems. Exact solutions, first- and second-order reliability methods. Reliability indices. Simulation based methods. Variance reduction techniques. Implicit performance function and response surface modeling. Basis for probabilistic design codes. Reliability sensitivity measures. Systems reliability. Stochastic load models and load combination. Time-variant and finite element reliability methods. Introduction to stochastic FEM.

Pre-requisites

  • No formal course requirement.
  • It would however be helpful if the prospective registrants possess background in probability/statistics.

Books on Probability, Random variables and Random processes 

1.       A Papoulis, 1991, Probability, random variables and stochastic processes, 3rd Edition, McGraw-Hill, New York.

2.       J R Benjamin and C A Cornell, 1970, Probability, statistics and decisions for civil engineers, John Wiley, New York.

3.       A H S Ang & W H Tang, 1975, Probability concepts in engineering and design, Volume 1 - Basic concepts, John Wiley, NY

Books on Structural Reliability

1.       H O Madsen, S Krenk and N C Lind, 1986, Methods of structural safety, Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ.

2.       P Throft-Christensen & Y Murotsu, 1986, Application of structural systems reliability theory, Springer Verlag, Berlin.

3.       R E Melchers, 1999, Structural reliability: analysis and prediction, 2nd Edition, John Wiley, Chichester.

4.       A H S Ang & W H Tang, 1984, Probability concepts in engineering planning and design, Volume II Decision, Risk & reliability, John Wiley, NY.

5.       E Leporati, 1979, The assessment of structural safety, Research Studies Press, Oregon.

6.       Haldar, A., and Mahadevan, S. (2000). Reliability assessment using stochastic finite element analysis. John Wiley and Sons, New York.

7.       Haldar, A., and Mahadevan, S. (2000). Probability, reliability and statistical methods in engineering design. John Wiley and Sons, New York.

8.       Ranganathan, R. (1999). Structural reliability analysis and design. Jaico Publishing House, Mumbai.

Books on probabilistic structural mechanics

1.       C (Raj) Sundararajan, 1995, Probabilistic structural mechanics handbook, Chapman and Hall, NY.

2.       N C Nigam, 1983, Introduction to random vibrations, MIT press, Cambridge

3.       Y K Lin, 1967, Probabilistic theory of structural dynamics, McGraw-Hill, New York.

4.       I Elishakoff, 1983, Probabilistic methods in theory of structures, John Wiley, New York.

5.       V V Bolotin, 1969, Statistical methods in structural mechanics, Holden-Day, San Fransisco.

6.       G Augusti, A Baratta & F Casciati, 1984, Probabilistic methods in structural engineering, Chapman Hall, NY.

7.      M Tichy and M Vorlicek, 1975, Statistical theory of concrete structures, Irish University Press, Shannon.

Course Objectives:

1.       Provide a brief review of mathematical tools for quantifying uncertainties using theories of probability, random variables and random processes.

2.       To develop the theory of methods of structural reliability based on concept of reliability indices. This includes discussions on FORM and SORM.

3.       To introduce methods of reliability analysis using Monte Carlo simulations that includes discussion of variance reduction techniques and RSM.

4.       To explain the basics of code calibration.

5.       To provide the necessary background to carry out reliability based design.

6.       To prepare the ground for research students to undertake research in this field.

Evaluation scheme

1.       3 Tests of 30% weight. These tests are held after every 12 hours of lectures.

2.       3 Assignments with 20% weight.

3.      Final exam/term paper presentation of 50% weight.