Finite Element Reliability Analysis of structures using the Dimensional Reduction Method

Finite Element Reliability Analysis (FERA) has been used to evaluate the reliability of structures. Mean and variance of the structural response is often estimated with the use of approximate methods, while structural response distribution is approximated based on Monte Carlo simulation (MCS). In this paper, FERA is applied in an efficient manner with the use of a Multiplicative form of Dimensional Reduction Method (M-DRM), which can estimate accurately the statistical moments and the probability distribution of the structural response, e.g., drift of a structure. The proposed approach is combined with OpenSees FE software and illustrated through the nonlinear pushover and nonlinear dynamic analysis of a steel frame. MCS is also performed for comparison of the proposed method.