System Reliability under Time Varying Loads: II

Abstract

This is the second part of an investigation of time variant structural system reliability under multiple loadings. The study is concentrated on brittle, redundant systems. The emphasis is on the consideration of load sequence, load path, and progressive failure over time. Currently available methods such as those based on an outcrossing analysis and a load coincidence consideration are critically examined. A new method based on a Markov model is also proposed. Extensive Monte Carlo simulations are carried out to verify the analytical methods. The accuracy and computational effort of each method are examined. The importance of the effect of load path and load sequence is demonstrated by numerical examples of simple parallel bars under tension and trusses with both tension and compression members.