An efficient Monte Carlo simulation approach for dynamic reliability analysis of complex stochastic structural systems

Abstract

The dynamic reliability analysis of complex structures is very useful because of its applications to the prediction of behaviour in extreme scenarios. Based on the linear relationship between the inputs and outputs of a linear structure, the explicit expressions of dynamic responses can be investigated. Using the explicit expressions derived, an efficient Monte Carlo simulation approach is developed for dynamic reliability analysis of deterministic and stochastic structures subjected to non-stationary random excitations. For deterministic structures, Monte Carlo simulation can be conducted to calculate the structural dynamic reliabilities based on the explicit expressions of responses. Combined with the total probability theorem in probability theory, the method for deterministic structures is extended to the dynamic reliability analysis of stochastic structures. To verify the feasibility of the present method for complex structures, the dynamic reliability analysis of a real arch bridge subjected to non-stationary seismic excitation is presented in the numerical example, where both deterministic and stochastic structural parameters are considered.