Non-Gradient–Based Algorithm for Structural Reliability Analysis

Abstract

In reliability analysis, the first-order reliability method (FORM) and various optimization algorithms are widely used to locate the most probable point (MPP) and calculate the reliability index. These algorithms generally require first-order response sensitivities or gradients of the limit-state function. However, in engineering, the reliability analysis is often merged with finite-element (FE) analysis or other structural/mechanical analyses, and the limit-state function is implicit. The sensitivity analysis may be computationally intensive or cumbersome, and several techniques were developed to deal with this problem. In the present paper, a general iterative algorithm that does not need gradients is proposed. This algorithm produces