Time-dependent analysis and simulation-based reliability assessment of suspended cables with rheological properties

The intention of the paper is to illustrate the ability of the probabilistic time-dependent reliability assessment procedure applied to non-linear suspended cable structure with rheological properties, when a rope made from the high strength synthetic fibres is used in order to demonstrate the new qualitatively different concept. Attention is turned to the individual main steps in the assessment procedure, i.e. to the selection of an appropriate method of structural analysis and to derivation of an appropriate closed-form and discrete analytical models, analysis of random variables representing individual actions (four basic random variables, such as structural geometry, cable’s modulus of elasticity and creep strain increments and loading, are considered), evaluation of the structural response with respect to the interaction of the random variables considering a history of the time-dependent action effects and to the definition of the limiting values considering serviceability of cable structure. The potential of the method using direct Monte Carlo technique as one of the possible alternatives for simulation-based time-dependent reliability assessment as a powerful tool is emphasized. The influence of an excessive deflection of suspended cable (caused by creep of cable and rheologic changes) on its serviceability in required time is investigated and illustrative examples are performed. 2006 Elsevier Ltd. and Civil-Comp Ltd. All rights reserved.