This thesis is a contribution to the resolution of the reliability-based design optimization problem. This probabilistic design approach is aimed at considering the uncertainty attached to the system of interest in order to provide optimal and safe solutions. The safety level is quantified in the form of a probability of failure. Then, the optimization problem consists in ensuring that this fai...

• Ordering: pf ≤ p X 6 →Z f ≤ p R,X 6 →Z f and p S f ≤ p RS f ≤ p R,X 6 →Z f . • Strong independence: Complete information about the uncertain limit state function is needed. • Epistemic irrelevance: Sufficient to know q which condenses the uncertain limit state function. q could be a starting point for uncertainty modelling. • Random set independence: Possibility to combine upper probabilities...

Structural reliability problems involving the use of advanced finite-element models of real-world structures are usually defined by limit-states expressed as functions referred to as limit-state functions of basic random variables used to characterize the pertinent sources of uncertainty. These limit-state functions define hyper-surfaces referred to as limit-state surfaces in the high-dimension...

In this research, a two-phase algorithm based on the artificial neural network (ANN) and a harmony search (HS) algorithm has been developed with the aim of assessing the reliability of structures with implicit limit state functions. The proposed method involves the generation of datasets to be used specifically for training by Finite Element analysis, to establish an ANN model using a proven AN...

accurate calculation of reliability index is very important for the reliability analysis of structures. in some limit state functions with nonlinear characteristic and several local optimum design points, the computational reliability methods may not appropriately determine the failure probability, and iterative reliability approaches may be converged to local optimum design points. in this pap...

For the design of steel and concrete structures, most modern international design codes allow the use of plastic stressstrain-diagrams for the analysis of the bending resistance of the cross-section in the ultimate limit state. Curiously, in Europe and most other parts of the world, timber structures are still designed for the ultimate limit state with the old, conservative concept of full elas...

This paper examines the SSM technique CATWOE, which focus on defining necessary elements that together constitute a human activity system from a certain perspective. Despite its recognition within the literature and its numerous use there are few studies on how the technique can be improved. This research reflects on each of the elements both from a theoretical and a practical perspective. Find...