Abstract

The main issue of the paper is the probabilistic sensitivity of the limit states of structures with respect to selected input design variables. Attempt to the problem is done by the dedicated Monte Carlo simulation procedure. Basic design variables are random variables of given probability distributions, presented in the form of random numbers. Uni-parametrical increment of the dominant basic variable (basic variables) is done, finally achieving the structural limit state. The simulation procedure restuls in a set of limit multipliers. Statistical analysis leads to the estimate of the probability density function of the limit state. Thus the numerical image is presented of the probabilistic sensitivity of the structural limit state. Reliability or the probability of failure are to be estimated, as statistical parameters of the histogram. Numerical examples of engineering structures illustrate the method introduced in the paper, conclusions are formulated eventually.

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