Probabilistic assessment of structures
Probabilistic Assessment of Structures using Monte Carlo Simulation
[edit | edit source]Optimization Study of Beam with Sudden Profile Change
[edit | edit source]This example deals with application of SBRA (Simulation Based Reliability Assessment) method for safety assessment of a welded steel beam with a sudden profile variation. Close attention is paid especially to the determination of the position where the profile changes.
Assignment
[edit | edit source]The beam is simply supported. Span is L = 4 m, material grade is steel S235. The beam is exposed to two uniformly distributed loads. The design values are: dead load g = 10 kN/m, long lasting live load q = 8 kN/m. Assess I-profiles of this steel welded beam (see Fig. 2) regarding the bending moment. Determine the position where the profile is to be changed with respect to the material savings. Lateral-torsion buckling of the beam is prevented. Do not assess the serviceability limit state. The design probability of failure is Pf,lim <= 0.00007.
Structure Response to the Load 'S'
[edit | edit source]The variable value of the load is equal to the product of its maximum value and the coefficient expressing its variation by the assumptive distribution, then g = 10 kN/m ∙ gvar, q = 8 kN/m ∙ qvar. Individual distributions follow in the chart (Fig.3).
The bending moment behavior along the beam Mx = ½ ∙ (g + q) ∙ (L ∙ x - x2) is traced by AntHill [2] software. The variables taking part in this simulation are g, q.
Structure Resistance 'R'
[edit | edit source]The variable value of the steel yield stress is equal to the coefficient expressing its variation by the assumptive distribution, then f = fvar. The variable values of the profile moduli are equal to the products of their nominal values and the coefficients expressing their variation by the assumptive distributions, then W1 = W1,nom ∙ Wvar, W2 = W2,nom ∙ Wvar. Individual distributions follow in the chart (Fig.5).
The nominal values of the cross-sections properties are W1,nom = 1.64E-4 m3, W2,nom = 1.25E-4 m3. The profiles 1 and 2 are displayed on Fig.2. The structure resistance is defined as the product Mr = W ∙ f, than Mr1 = W1 ∙ f, Mr2 = W2 ∙ f.
Assessment
[edit | edit source]Critical cross-sections, considering the bending moment, are for Profile 1 the center of the beam (x = 2 m), for Profile 2 the place of its sudden profile variation (x = ?).
Profile 1, x = 2 m
[edit | edit source]In the center of the beam's span is the failure probability Pf = 0.000053 < Pf,lim = 0.00007. Profile 1 satisfies the requirements, calculated by AntHill [1] software.
Profile 2, x = ? m
[edit | edit source]With assistance of AntHill [1] software, the probability of failures is found in individual positions near the estimated location of the sudden profile change.
The profile should be changed in position x = 1 m from the support. The failure probability in this location Pf = 0.000027 (see Fig.9) < Pf,lim = 0.00007. Profile 2 satisfies the requirements. Calculated by AntHill [1] software.
Global Analysis of Profile 1 and 2
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Additional Study
[edit | edit source]Conclusions
[edit | edit source]This study outlines the opportunity of using SBRA method for the global reliability assessment. The used example is very simple; however, it is possible to assess more complicated statically determined structures.
References
[edit | edit source][1]Optimization Study of Beam with Sudden Profile Change; author Jan Hlavacek, Prague 2001
[2]Probabilistic Assessment of Structures using Monte Carlo Simulation – 1st edition; editors: P. Marek, J. Brozzetti, M. Gustar; publisher: ITAM CAS CR, Prague 2001