Implementation of the Point Estimation Method (PEM) in the reliability analysis of a three-dimensional truss structure is presented in the paper. The influence of geometric and material random parameters on the truss load-carrying capacity was investigated. The analysis was performed for different combinations of basic variables. Symmetric and asymmetric cases of snow load were taken to assess the structural reliability. Sensitivity...

This paper delivers a probabilistic attempt to prove that the selection of a random three-dimensional finite element (FE) model of a subsoil affects the computed settlements. Parametricanalysis of a random soil block is conducted, assuming a variable subsoil Young’s modulus inparticular finite elements. The modulus is represented by a random field or different-sized setsof random variables; in both cases, the same truncated...

A probabilistic sensitivity analysis of two nonlinear bar structures is presented. The analysis is carried out on the basis of the Monte Carlo method. The imperfections of the structures and the applied loads are adapted as random variables. Based on all of the generated input variables, an output response of the system is sought. Afterwards, a coefficient responsible for the structure failure is calculated and the limit state...

The work presents testing methods of sensitivity and reliability of mechanical or structural systems. All computations concerned the case of Zigler column, a simple model of a compressed column involving two random variables only. A conclusion was drawn that the standard Monte Carlo method, its reduction variants and the response surface method allow to assess the sensitivity of structural response to the variation of random structural...