System Reliability Under Multiple Hazards

Abstract

Structural reliability under multiple hazards is investigated. In the first part, the reliability of structural systems is studied with emphasis on the consideration of load sequence, load path and progressive failure over time. Currently available methods are critically examined and new methods of analysis are proposed for redundant systems based on an occurrence and coincidence consideration of loads and an imbedded Markov chain representation of damage state. Extensive Monte-Carlo simulations are carried out to verify the analytical methods. In the second part, several first and second order asymptotic methods for nonlinear load combination are examined and compared in terms of the analytical and numerical efforts required and the accuracy of each method. Numerical examples are carried out on the reliability of a structure with direction sensitive resistance under the action of vector wind force to underscore the advantages and disadvantages of each method in practical application.