Approximate Methods for Nonlinear Time‐Variant Reliability Analysis

Abstract

Exact solution of reliability of structures under stochastic loadings is generally difficult. Various approximate methods have been developed based on an outcrossing rate analysis. Several first‐order and second‐order asymptotic methods are examined and compared in terms of the analytical and numerical efforts required as well as the accuracy of each method. Numerical examples are carried out, including one on the reliability of a structure with direction‐sensitive resistance under the action of vector wind force to underscore the advantage and disadvantage of each method in practical applications.