RELIABILITY-BASED OPTIMIZATION IN STRUCTURAL-ENGINEERING

In this paper reliability-based optimization problems in structural en gineering are formulated on the basis of the classical decision theory . Several formulations are presented: Reliability-based optimal design of structural systems with component or systems reliability constrain ts, reliability-based optimal inspection planning and reliability-base d experiment planning. It is explained how these optimization problems can be solved by application of similar techniques. The reliability e stimation is limited to first order reliability methods (FORM) for bot h component and systems reliability evaluation. The solution strategie s applying first order non-linear optimization algorithms are describe d in detail with special attention to sensitivity analysis and stabili ty of the optimization process. Furthermore, several practical aspects are treated as: Development of the reliability-based optimization mod el, inclusion of the finite element method as the response evaluation tool and how the size of the problem can be made practicable. Finally, the important task of model evaluation and sensitivity analysis; of t he optimal solution is treated including a strategy for model-making w ith both pre and post-analysis.