• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.37 no.5
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• pp.543-560
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• 2011

In structural engineering there are randomness inherently exist on determination of the loads, strength, geometry, and so on, and the manufacturing of the structural members, workmanship etc. Thus, objective and constraint functions of the optimization problem are functions that depend on those randomly natured components. The constraints being the function of the random variables are evaluated by using reliability index or performance measure approaches in the optimization process. In this study, the minimum weight of a space truss is obtained under the uncertainties on the load, material and cross-section areas with harmony search using reliability index and performance measure approaches. Consequently, optimization algorithm produces the same result when both the approaches converge. Performance measure approach, however, is more efficient compare to reliability index approach in terms of the convergence rate and iterations needed.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Manufacturing Technology Engineers
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.224-229
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• 2010

This paper presents a reliability-based topology optimization (RBTO) using bi-directional evolutionary structural optimization (BESO). An actual design involves uncertain conditions such as material property, operational load and dimensional variation. Deterministic topology optimization (DTO) is obtained without considering of uncertainties related to the uncertainty parameters. However, the RBTO can consider the uncertainty variables because it has the probabilistic constraints. In this paper, the reliability index approach (RIA) is adopted to evaluate the probabilistic constraint. RBTO based on BESO starting from various design domains produces a similar optimal topology each other. Numerical examples are presented to compare the DTO with the RBTO.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Manufacturing Technology Engineers
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• v.19 no.6
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• pp.826-833
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• 2010

Electric-thermal-structural actuated compliant mechanisms are mechanisms onto which electric voltage drop is applied as input instead of force. This mechanism is based on thermal expansion of material while being heated. Compliant mechanisms are designed subjected to electric charge input using BESO(bi-directional evolutionary structural optimization) method. Reliability-based topology optimization (RBTO) is applied to the topology design of actuators. performance measure approach (PMA), which has probabilistic constraints that are formulated in terms of the reliability index, is adopted to evaluate the probabilistic constraints. In this study, BESO method is used to obtain optimal topology of compliant mechanisms from initial design domain. PMA approach is used to evaluate reliability index. The procedure has been tested in numerical applications and compared with the results obtained by other methods to validate these approaches.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.9 no.6
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• pp.557-568
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• 2000

As time-variant reliability approaches become increasingly used for service life prediction of the aging infrastructure, the demand for computer solution methods continues to increase. Effcient computer techniques have become well established for the reliability analysis of structural systems. Thus far, however, this is largely limited to time-invariant reliability problems. Therefore, the requirements for time-variant reliability prediction of deteriorating structural systems under time-variant loads have remained incomplete. This study presents a computer program for $\underline{REL}$iability of $\underline{T}$ime-Variant $\underline{SYS}$tems, RELTSYS. This program uses a combined technique of adaptive importance sampling, numerical integration, and fault tree analysis to compute time-variant reliabilities of individual components and systems. Time-invariant quantities are generated using Monte Carlo simulation, whereas time-variant quantities are evaluated using numerical integration. Load distribution and post-failure redistribution are considered using fault tree analysis. The strengths and limitations of RELTSYS are presented via a numerical example.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.201-209
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• 2013

A new dynamic reliability analysis of structure under repeated random loads is proposed in this paper. The proposed method is developed based on the idea that the probability density of several times random loads can be derived from the probability density of single-time random load. The reliability prediction models of structure based on time responses under several times random loads with and without strength degradation are obtained by using the stress-strength interference theory and probability density evolution method. The resulting differential equations in the prediction models can be solved by using the forward finite difference method. Then, the probability density functions of strength redundancy of the structures can be obtained. Finally, the structural dynamic reliability can be calculated using integral method. The efficiency of the proposed method is demonstrated numerically through a speed reducer. The results have shown that the proposed method is practicable, feasible and gives reasonably accurate prediction.

• International Journal of Automotive Technology
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• v.4 no.3
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• pp.135-140
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• 2003

In the deterministic optimization of a structural system, objective function, design constraints and design variables, are treated in a nonstatistical fashion. However, such deterministic engineering optimization tends to promote the structural system with lest reliability redundancy than obtained with conventional design procedures using the factor of safety. Consequently, deterministic optimized structures will usually have higher failure probabilities than unoptimized structures. Therefore, a balance must be developed between the satisfactions of the design requirements and the objectives of reducing manufacturing cost. This paper proposes the reliability-based design optimization (RBDO) technique, which enables the optimum design that considers confidence level for the vibration characteristics of structural system. Response surface method (RSM) is utilized to approximate the performance functions describing the system characteristics in the RBDO procedure. The proposed optimization technique is applied to the pillar section design considering natural frequencies of a vehicle structure.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.1-18
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• 2008

The conventional design of bridge piers against scour uses scour equations which involve number of uncertain flow, sediments and structural parameters. The inherent high uncertainties in these parameters suggest that the reliability of piers must be assessed to ensure desirable safety of bridges against scour. In the present study, a procedure for the reliability assessment of bridge piers, installed in main and flood channels, against scour has been presented. To study the influence of various random variables on piers' reliability sensitivity analysis has been carried out. To incorporate the reliability in the evaluation of safety factor, a simplified relationship between safety factor and reliability index has been proposed. Effects of clear water (flood channel) and live bed scour (main channel) are highlighted on pier reliability. In addition to these, an attempt has also been made to explain the failure of Black mount bridge of New Zealand based on its pier's reliability analysis. Some parametric studies have also been included to obtain the results of practical interest.

• Proceedings of the Computational Structural Engineering Institute Conference
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• 1989.10a
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• pp.34-39
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• 1989

Recent trends in design standards development have encouraged the use of probabilistic limit sate design concepts. Reliability analysis adopted in those advanced countries have the potentials that they afford for symplifying the design Process arid placing it on a consistent reliability based for various construction materials. This study is proposed in the reliability analysis of plane frame structures using second-order moment method(Level-II they). Lind-Hasofer's minimum distance method is use in the derivation of an mathematical algorithm as well as an determination of Correlation cofficients, reliability index and total reliability index depending on the multiple failure modes. In addition. This study is employed as a practical tool for the approximate reliability analysis. Results of the numerincal analysis showed that the difference between the reliability index of the failure probability of the multiple failure modes and the total reliability index of the failure probability with the simultaneous failure modes deviated nearly 3∼10% depending on tile performance functions.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.29 no.3A
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• pp.181-188
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• 2009

This study presented the basic data for determining reasonable construction method and evaluating the structural safety of suspension bridges. The analytical program was developed to conduct initial shape and natural frequency analysis, construction stage analysis and reliability analysis considering construction sequences. This program was based on analysis models of suspension bridges and reliability theories used in the previous study. A construction method was established considering various construction variables such as construction order and construction direction of girder and synchronized construction of main and side span etc. The dynamic construction analysis by a construction scheme was conducted with the developed program. Benefits of the characteristic analysis by the construction scheme was presented estimating structural response of critical members respectively. Structural reliability analysis by construction stage was conducted considering aleatory uncertainties. The safety of suspension bridges by established construction method was quantitatively estimated using reliability index and failure probability. Analytical results were re-estimated considering epistemic uncertainties, and critical percentile distributions of risk at the construction stage were presented using the frequency histogram.

• Proceedings of the Korea Concrete Institute Conference
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• 1990.10a
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• pp.35-40
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• 1990

Because of the inherent random nature of most manmade and environmental loadings and materials as well as the emperfect structural analysis, the reliability-based structural design has been recognized as a rational approach and the probability-based design criteria has been successfully developed for many standards. In order to do this it is necessary to establish target reliability levels, for which the reliability levels inherent in present design practice will be used as a rational guide. In this study the reliability levels implied in current practices, therefore, are investigated using the load and resistance models developed for domestic uses.