Abstract:

Structural design is subjected to uncertainties in material and geometrical properties, loads and other variables. Robust design approach and reliability method are the two advanced and efficient methods to handle the uncertainties. In this paper, based on the non probabilistic reliability theory and robust design approach, a procedure for the robust reliability design of structures is presented. The design of the structure is described as a multi objective optimization, in which the minimization of the weight or cost of structure and the maximization of the robustness to uncertainties are taken as objectives, and constrained by the reliability requirements. The purpose of it is to get a coordinate optimization between the weight or cost of the structure and the robustness to uncertainties and satisfy the requirements for reliability. When the available data on the uncertainties are lacking or limited, the proposed method can be used to develop a set of satisfying solutions that may get a balance between the weight or cost and the robustness to uncertainties in different degrees. A numerical example illustrates the application of the proposed method.

Key words: ro bust design, reliabilit y design, o ptimal design, str uct ur al reliabilit y, r o bust r eliability.