This paper introduces a novel approach for parameter sensitivity evaluation and efficient slope reliability analysis based on quantile-based first-order second-moment method(QFOSM).The core principles of the QFOSM are...This paper introduces a novel approach for parameter sensitivity evaluation and efficient slope reliability analysis based on quantile-based first-order second-moment method(QFOSM).The core principles of the QFOSM are elucidated geometrically from the perspective of expanding ellipsoids.Based on this geometric interpretation,the QFOSM is further extended to estimate sensitivity indices and assess the significance of various uncertain parameters involved in the slope system.The proposed method has the advantage of computational simplicity,akin to the conventional first-order second-moment method(FOSM),while providing estimation accuracy close to that of the first-order reliability method(FORM).Its performance is demonstrated with a numerical example and three slope examples.The results show that the proposed method can efficiently estimate the slope reliability and simultaneously evaluate the sensitivity of the uncertain parameters.The proposed method does not involve complex optimization or iteration required by the FORM.It can provide a valuable complement to the existing approximate reliability analysis methods,offering rapid sensitivity evaluation and slope reliability analysis.展开更多
In order to address the complex uncertainties caused by interfacing between the fuzziness and randomness of the safety problem for embankment engineering projects, and to evaluate the safety of embankment engineering ...In order to address the complex uncertainties caused by interfacing between the fuzziness and randomness of the safety problem for embankment engineering projects, and to evaluate the safety of embankment engineering projects more scientifically and reasonably, this study presents the fuzzy logic modeling of the stochastic finite element method （SFEM） based on the harmonious finite element （HFE） technique using a first-order approximation theorem. Fuzzy mathematical models of safety repertories were introduced into the SFEM to analyze the stability of embankments and foundations in order to describe the fuzzy failure procedure for the random safety performance function. The fuzzy models were developed with membership functions with half depressed gamma distribution, half depressed normal distribution, and half depressed echelon distribution. The fuzzy stochastic mathematical algorithm was used to comprehensively study the local failure mechanism of the main embankment section near Jingnan in the Yangtze River in terms of numerical analysis for the probability integration of reliability on the random field affected by three fuzzy factors. The result shows that the middle region of the embankment is the principal zone of concentrated failure due to local fractures. There is also some local shear failure on the embankment crust. This study provides a referential method for solving complex multi-uncertainty problems in engineering safety analysis.展开更多
Normal form theory is a very effective method when we study degenerate bifurcations of nonlinear dynamical systems. In this paper by using adjoint operator method, normal forms of order 3 and 4 for nonlinear dynamical...Normal form theory is a very effective method when we study degenerate bifurcations of nonlinear dynamical systems. In this paper by using adjoint operator method, normal forms of order 3 and 4 for nonlinear dynamical system with nilpotent linear part and Z(2)-asymmetry are computed. According to normal forms obtained, universal unfoldings for some degenerate bifurcation cases of codimension 3 and simple global characterizations, are studied.展开更多
Design for modem engineering system is becoming multidisciplinary and incorporates practical uncertainties; therefore, it is necessary to synthesize reliability analysis and the multidisciplinary design optimization ...Design for modem engineering system is becoming multidisciplinary and incorporates practical uncertainties; therefore, it is necessary to synthesize reliability analysis and the multidisciplinary design optimization （MDO） techniques for the design of complex engineering system. An advanced first order second moment method-based concurrent subspace optimization approach is proposed based on the comparison and analysis of the existing multidisciplinary optimization techniques and the reliability analysis methods. It is seen through a canard configuration optimization for a three-surface transport that the proposed method is computationally efficient and practical with the least modification to the current deterministic optimization process.展开更多
To meet the high demand for reliability based design of slopes, we present in this paper a simplified HLRF(Hasofere Linde Rackwitze Fiessler) iterative algorithm for first-order reliability method(FORM). It is simply ...To meet the high demand for reliability based design of slopes, we present in this paper a simplified HLRF(Hasofere Linde Rackwitze Fiessler) iterative algorithm for first-order reliability method(FORM). It is simply formulated in x-space and requires neither transformation of correlated random variables nor optimization tools. The solution can be easily improved by iteratively adjusting the step length. The algorithm is particularly useful to practicing engineers for geotechnical reliability analysis where standalone(deterministic) numerical packages are used. Based on the proposed algorithm and through direct perturbation analysis of random variables, we conducted a case study of earth slope reliability with complete consideration of soil uncertainty and spatial variability.展开更多
The forming limit curve （FLC） can be obtained by means of curve fitting the limit strain points of different strain paths. The theory of percent regression analysis is applied to the curve fitting of forming limit e...The forming limit curve （FLC） can be obtained by means of curve fitting the limit strain points of different strain paths. The theory of percent regression analysis is applied to the curve fitting of forming limit experimental data.Forecast intervals of FLC percentiles can be calculated. Thus reliability and confidence level can be considered. The theoretical method to get the limits of limit strain points distributing region is presented, and the FLC position can be adjusted according to practical requirement. Method for establishing FLC with high reliability using small samples is presented at the same time. This method can make full use of the current experimental data and the previous data.Compared with the traditional method that can only use current experimental data, fewer specimens are required in the present method to obtain the same precision and the result is more accurate with the same number of specimens.展开更多
The first order reliability method (FORM) is widely adopted for structural reliability evaluation due to its numerical efficiency. Concerning the issue of FORM often failing to converge when the limit state function (...The first order reliability method (FORM) is widely adopted for structural reliability evaluation due to its numerical efficiency. Concerning the issue of FORM often failing to converge when the limit state function (LSF) behaves high nonlinearity, a new iteration scheme called "rotated gradient algorithm (RGA)" is proposed and combined with Kriging model to evaluate the reliability of implicit performance function. In this paper, the Kriging model is applied to approximate the real LSF first. Then the scheme of RGA, constructed in terms of gradient information of two adjacent design points obtained during the process of calculation, is used to calculate the reliability index. Numerical examples show the validity in convergence and accuracy of the proposed methodfor arbitrary nonlinear performance function.展开更多
To avoid the high computational cost and much modification in the process of applying traditional reliability-based design optimization method, a new reliability-based concurrent subspace optimization approach is prop...To avoid the high computational cost and much modification in the process of applying traditional reliability-based design optimization method, a new reliability-based concurrent subspace optimization approach is proposed based on the comparison and analysis of the existing multidisciplinary optimization techniques and reliability assessment methods. It is shown through a canard configuration optimization for a three-surface transport that the proposed method is computationally efficient and practical with the least modification to the current deterministic optimization process.展开更多
This study presents a new tool for solving stochastic boundary-value problems. This tool is created by modify the previous spectral stochastic meshless local Petrov-Galerkin method using the MLPG5 scheme. This modifie...This study presents a new tool for solving stochastic boundary-value problems. This tool is created by modify the previous spectral stochastic meshless local Petrov-Galerkin method using the MLPG5 scheme. This modified spectral stochastic meshless local Petrov-Galerkin method is selectively applied to predict the structural failure probability with the uncertainty in the spatial variability of mechanical properties. Except for the MLPG5 scheme, deriving the proposed spectral stochastic meshless local Petrov-Galerkin formulation adopts generalized polynomial chaos expansions of random mechanical properties. Predicting the structural failure probability is based on the first-order reliability method. Further comparing the spectral stochastic finite element-based and meshless local Petrov-Galerkin-based predicted structural failure probabilities indicates that the proposed spectral stochastic meshless local Petrov-Galerkin method predicts the more accurate structural failure probability than the spectral stochastic finite element method does. In addition, generating spectral stochastic meshless local Petrov-Galerkin results are considerably time-saving than generating Monte-Carlo simulation results does. In conclusion, the spectral stochastic meshless local Petrov-Galerkin method serves as a time-saving tool for solving stochastic boundary-value problems sufficiently accurately.展开更多
A probabilistic progressive failure analyzing method is applied to estimating the reliability of a simply supported laminated composite plate with an initial imperfection under bi-axial compression load. The initial i...A probabilistic progressive failure analyzing method is applied to estimating the reliability of a simply supported laminated composite plate with an initial imperfection under bi-axial compression load. The initial imperfection and the strength parameters are considered as random variables. Ply-level failure probability is evaluated by the first order reliability method (FORM) together with the Tsai-Wu strength criterion and Tan criterion. Current stresses in the laminated structure are calculated by the classical lamination theory with the stiffness modified based on the last step ply failure. Probabilistically dominant ply-level failure sequences leading to overall system failure are identified, based on which the system failure probability is estimated. A numerical example is presented to demonstrate the methodology proposed. Through parameter studies it is shown that the deviation of the initial imperfection and some of the strength parameters largely influence the system reliability.展开更多
Reliability and optimization are two key elements for structural design. The reliability~ based topology optimization （RBTO） is a powerful and promising methodology for finding the optimum topologies with the uncert...Reliability and optimization are two key elements for structural design. The reliability~ based topology optimization （RBTO） is a powerful and promising methodology for finding the optimum topologies with the uncertainties being explicitly considered, typically manifested by the use of reliability constraints. Generally, a direct integration of reliability concept and topol- ogy optimization may lead to computational difficulties. In view of this fact, three methodologies have been presented in this study, including the double-loop approach （the performance measure approach, PMA） and the decoupled approaches （the so-called Hybrid method and the sequential optimization and reliability assessment, SORA）. For reliability analysis, the stochastic response surface method （SRSM） was applied, combining with the design of experiments generated by the sparse grid method, which has been proven as an effective and special discretization technique. The methodologies were investigated with three numerical examples considering the uncertainties including material properties and external loads. The optimal topologies obtained using the de- terministic, RBTOs were compared with one another; and useful conclusions regarding validity, accuracy and efficiency were drawn.展开更多
The objective is to develop an approach for the determination of the target reliability index for serviceability limit state(SLS) of single piles. This contributes to conducting the SLS reliability-based design(RBD) o...The objective is to develop an approach for the determination of the target reliability index for serviceability limit state(SLS) of single piles. This contributes to conducting the SLS reliability-based design(RBD) of piles. Based on a two-parameter,hyperbolic curve-fitting equation describing the load-settlement relation of piles, the SLS model factor is defined. Then, taking into account the uncertainties of load-settlement model, load and bearing capacity of piles, the formula for computing the SLS reliability index(βsls) is obtained using the mean value first order second moment(MVFOSM) method. Meanwhile, the limit state function for conducting the SLS reliability analysis by the Monte Carlo simulation(MCS) method is established. These two methods are finally applied to determine the SLS target reliability index. Herein, the limiting tolerable settlement(slt) is treated as a random variable. For illustration, four load test databases from South Africa are compiled again to conduct reliability analysis and present the recommended target reliability indices. The results indicate that the MVFOSM method overestimates βsls compared to that computed by the MCS method. Besides, both factor of safety(FS) and slt are key factors influencing βsls, so the combination of FS and βsls is welcome to be used for the SLS reliability analysis of piles when slt is determined. For smaller slt, pile types and soils conditions have significant influence on the SLS target reliability indices; for larger slt, slt is the major factor having influence on the SLS target reliability indices. This proves that slt is the most key parameter for the determination of the SLS target reliability index.展开更多
Buckling-restrained braces （BRBs） have recently become popular in the United States for use as primary members of seismic lateral-force-resisting systems. A BRB is a steel brace that does not buckle in compression b...Buckling-restrained braces （BRBs） have recently become popular in the United States for use as primary members of seismic lateral-force-resisting systems. A BRB is a steel brace that does not buckle in compression but instead yields in both tension and compression. Although design guidelines for BRB applications have been developed, systematic procedures for assessing performance and quantifying reliability are still needed. This paper presents an analytical framework for assessing buckling-restrained braced frame （BRBF） reliability when subjected to seismic loads. This framework efficiently quantifies the risk of BRB failure due to low-cycle fatigue fracture of the BRB core. The procedure includes a series of components that： （1） quantify BRB demand in terms of BRB core deformation histories generated through stochastic dynamic analyses; （2） quantify the limit-state of a BRB in terms of its remaining cumulative plastic ductility capacity based on an experimental database; and （3） evaluate the probability of BRB failure, given the quantified demand and capacity, through structural reliability analyses. Parametric studies were conducted to investigate the effects of the seismic load, and characteristics of the BRB and BRBF on the probability of brace failure. In addition, fragility curves （i.e., conditional probabilities of brace failure given ground shaking intensity parameters） were created by the proposed framework. While the framework presented in this paper is applied to the assessment of BRBFs, the modular nature of the framework components allows for application to other structural components and systems.展开更多
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.52109144,52025094 and 52222905).
文摘This paper introduces a novel approach for parameter sensitivity evaluation and efficient slope reliability analysis based on quantile-based first-order second-moment method(QFOSM).The core principles of the QFOSM are elucidated geometrically from the perspective of expanding ellipsoids.Based on this geometric interpretation,the QFOSM is further extended to estimate sensitivity indices and assess the significance of various uncertain parameters involved in the slope system.The proposed method has the advantage of computational simplicity,akin to the conventional first-order second-moment method(FOSM),while providing estimation accuracy close to that of the first-order reliability method(FORM).Its performance is demonstrated with a numerical example and three slope examples.The results show that the proposed method can efficiently estimate the slope reliability and simultaneously evaluate the sensitivity of the uncertain parameters.The proposed method does not involve complex optimization or iteration required by the FORM.It can provide a valuable complement to the existing approximate reliability analysis methods,offering rapid sensitivity evaluation and slope reliability analysis.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.50379046)the Doctoral Fund of the Ministry of Education of China(Grant No.A50221)
文摘In order to address the complex uncertainties caused by interfacing between the fuzziness and randomness of the safety problem for embankment engineering projects, and to evaluate the safety of embankment engineering projects more scientifically and reasonably, this study presents the fuzzy logic modeling of the stochastic finite element method （SFEM） based on the harmonious finite element （HFE） technique using a first-order approximation theorem. Fuzzy mathematical models of safety repertories were introduced into the SFEM to analyze the stability of embankments and foundations in order to describe the fuzzy failure procedure for the random safety performance function. The fuzzy models were developed with membership functions with half depressed gamma distribution, half depressed normal distribution, and half depressed echelon distribution. The fuzzy stochastic mathematical algorithm was used to comprehensively study the local failure mechanism of the main embankment section near Jingnan in the Yangtze River in terms of numerical analysis for the probability integration of reliability on the random field affected by three fuzzy factors. The result shows that the middle region of the embankment is the principal zone of concentrated failure due to local fractures. There is also some local shear failure on the embankment crust. This study provides a referential method for solving complex multi-uncertainty problems in engineering safety analysis.
文摘Normal form theory is a very effective method when we study degenerate bifurcations of nonlinear dynamical systems. In this paper by using adjoint operator method, normal forms of order 3 and 4 for nonlinear dynamical system with nilpotent linear part and Z(2)-asymmetry are computed. According to normal forms obtained, universal unfoldings for some degenerate bifurcation cases of codimension 3 and simple global characterizations, are studied.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China (10377015)
文摘Design for modem engineering system is becoming multidisciplinary and incorporates practical uncertainties; therefore, it is necessary to synthesize reliability analysis and the multidisciplinary design optimization （MDO） techniques for the design of complex engineering system. An advanced first order second moment method-based concurrent subspace optimization approach is proposed based on the comparison and analysis of the existing multidisciplinary optimization techniques and the reliability analysis methods. It is seen through a canard configuration optimization for a three-surface transport that the proposed method is computationally efficient and practical with the least modification to the current deterministic optimization process.
基金Financial supports from National Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.51609072,51879091,51479050 and 41630638)the National Key Basic Research Program of China("973" Program)(Grant No.2015CB057901)the Public Service Sector R&D Project of Ministry of Water Resource of China(Grant No.201501035-03)
文摘To meet the high demand for reliability based design of slopes, we present in this paper a simplified HLRF(Hasofere Linde Rackwitze Fiessler) iterative algorithm for first-order reliability method(FORM). It is simply formulated in x-space and requires neither transformation of correlated random variables nor optimization tools. The solution can be easily improved by iteratively adjusting the step length. The algorithm is particularly useful to practicing engineers for geotechnical reliability analysis where standalone(deterministic) numerical packages are used. Based on the proposed algorithm and through direct perturbation analysis of random variables, we conducted a case study of earth slope reliability with complete consideration of soil uncertainty and spatial variability.
文摘The forming limit curve （FLC） can be obtained by means of curve fitting the limit strain points of different strain paths. The theory of percent regression analysis is applied to the curve fitting of forming limit experimental data.Forecast intervals of FLC percentiles can be calculated. Thus reliability and confidence level can be considered. The theoretical method to get the limits of limit strain points distributing region is presented, and the FLC position can be adjusted according to practical requirement. Method for establishing FLC with high reliability using small samples is presented at the same time. This method can make full use of the current experimental data and the previous data.Compared with the traditional method that can only use current experimental data, fewer specimens are required in the present method to obtain the same precision and the result is more accurate with the same number of specimens.
文摘The first order reliability method (FORM) is widely adopted for structural reliability evaluation due to its numerical efficiency. Concerning the issue of FORM often failing to converge when the limit state function (LSF) behaves high nonlinearity, a new iteration scheme called "rotated gradient algorithm (RGA)" is proposed and combined with Kriging model to evaluate the reliability of implicit performance function. In this paper, the Kriging model is applied to approximate the real LSF first. Then the scheme of RGA, constructed in terms of gradient information of two adjacent design points obtained during the process of calculation, is used to calculate the reliability index. Numerical examples show the validity in convergence and accuracy of the proposed methodfor arbitrary nonlinear performance function.
基金the Nationa Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 10377015)
文摘To avoid the high computational cost and much modification in the process of applying traditional reliability-based design optimization method, a new reliability-based concurrent subspace optimization approach is proposed based on the comparison and analysis of the existing multidisciplinary optimization techniques and reliability assessment methods. It is shown through a canard configuration optimization for a three-surface transport that the proposed method is computationally efficient and practical with the least modification to the current deterministic optimization process.
文摘This study presents a new tool for solving stochastic boundary-value problems. This tool is created by modify the previous spectral stochastic meshless local Petrov-Galerkin method using the MLPG5 scheme. This modified spectral stochastic meshless local Petrov-Galerkin method is selectively applied to predict the structural failure probability with the uncertainty in the spatial variability of mechanical properties. Except for the MLPG5 scheme, deriving the proposed spectral stochastic meshless local Petrov-Galerkin formulation adopts generalized polynomial chaos expansions of random mechanical properties. Predicting the structural failure probability is based on the first-order reliability method. Further comparing the spectral stochastic finite element-based and meshless local Petrov-Galerkin-based predicted structural failure probabilities indicates that the proposed spectral stochastic meshless local Petrov-Galerkin method predicts the more accurate structural failure probability than the spectral stochastic finite element method does. In addition, generating spectral stochastic meshless local Petrov-Galerkin results are considerably time-saving than generating Monte-Carlo simulation results does. In conclusion, the spectral stochastic meshless local Petrov-Galerkin method serves as a time-saving tool for solving stochastic boundary-value problems sufficiently accurately.
基金the Scientific Research Foundation for Returned Overseas Chinese Scholars,State Education Ministrythe Research Foundation of Huazhong University of Science and Technology
文摘A probabilistic progressive failure analyzing method is applied to estimating the reliability of a simply supported laminated composite plate with an initial imperfection under bi-axial compression load. The initial imperfection and the strength parameters are considered as random variables. Ply-level failure probability is evaluated by the first order reliability method (FORM) together with the Tsai-Wu strength criterion and Tan criterion. Current stresses in the laminated structure are calculated by the classical lamination theory with the stiffness modified based on the last step ply failure. Probabilistically dominant ply-level failure sequences leading to overall system failure are identified, based on which the system failure probability is estimated. A numerical example is presented to demonstrate the methodology proposed. Through parameter studies it is shown that the deviation of the initial imperfection and some of the strength parameters largely influence the system reliability.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.51275040 and 50905017)the Programme of Introducing Talents of Discipline to Universities(No.B12022)
文摘Reliability and optimization are two key elements for structural design. The reliability~ based topology optimization （RBTO） is a powerful and promising methodology for finding the optimum topologies with the uncertainties being explicitly considered, typically manifested by the use of reliability constraints. Generally, a direct integration of reliability concept and topol- ogy optimization may lead to computational difficulties. In view of this fact, three methodologies have been presented in this study, including the double-loop approach （the performance measure approach, PMA） and the decoupled approaches （the so-called Hybrid method and the sequential optimization and reliability assessment, SORA）. For reliability analysis, the stochastic response surface method （SRSM） was applied, combining with the design of experiments generated by the sparse grid method, which has been proven as an effective and special discretization technique. The methodologies were investigated with three numerical examples considering the uncertainties including material properties and external loads. The optimal topologies obtained using the de- terministic, RBTOs were compared with one another; and useful conclusions regarding validity, accuracy and efficiency were drawn.
基金Projects(51278216,51308241)supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of ChinaProject(2013BS010)supported by the Funds of Henan University of Technology for High-level Talents,China
文摘The objective is to develop an approach for the determination of the target reliability index for serviceability limit state(SLS) of single piles. This contributes to conducting the SLS reliability-based design(RBD) of piles. Based on a two-parameter,hyperbolic curve-fitting equation describing the load-settlement relation of piles, the SLS model factor is defined. Then, taking into account the uncertainties of load-settlement model, load and bearing capacity of piles, the formula for computing the SLS reliability index(βsls) is obtained using the mean value first order second moment(MVFOSM) method. Meanwhile, the limit state function for conducting the SLS reliability analysis by the Monte Carlo simulation(MCS) method is established. These two methods are finally applied to determine the SLS target reliability index. Herein, the limiting tolerable settlement(slt) is treated as a random variable. For illustration, four load test databases from South Africa are compiled again to conduct reliability analysis and present the recommended target reliability indices. The results indicate that the MVFOSM method overestimates βsls compared to that computed by the MCS method. Besides, both factor of safety(FS) and slt are key factors influencing βsls, so the combination of FS and βsls is welcome to be used for the SLS reliability analysis of piles when slt is determined. For smaller slt, pile types and soils conditions have significant influence on the SLS target reliability indices; for larger slt, slt is the major factor having influence on the SLS target reliability indices. This proves that slt is the most key parameter for the determination of the SLS target reliability index.
基金Federal Highway Administration Under Grant No. DDEGRD-06-X-00408
文摘Buckling-restrained braces （BRBs） have recently become popular in the United States for use as primary members of seismic lateral-force-resisting systems. A BRB is a steel brace that does not buckle in compression but instead yields in both tension and compression. Although design guidelines for BRB applications have been developed, systematic procedures for assessing performance and quantifying reliability are still needed. This paper presents an analytical framework for assessing buckling-restrained braced frame （BRBF） reliability when subjected to seismic loads. This framework efficiently quantifies the risk of BRB failure due to low-cycle fatigue fracture of the BRB core. The procedure includes a series of components that： （1） quantify BRB demand in terms of BRB core deformation histories generated through stochastic dynamic analyses; （2） quantify the limit-state of a BRB in terms of its remaining cumulative plastic ductility capacity based on an experimental database; and （3） evaluate the probability of BRB failure, given the quantified demand and capacity, through structural reliability analyses. Parametric studies were conducted to investigate the effects of the seismic load, and characteristics of the BRB and BRBF on the probability of brace failure. In addition, fragility curves （i.e., conditional probabilities of brace failure given ground shaking intensity parameters） were created by the proposed framework. While the framework presented in this paper is applied to the assessment of BRBFs, the modular nature of the framework components allows for application to other structural components and systems.
