Structural reliability analysis of a planar truss in case of limited statistical data

Abstract

Trusses are common structural elements in many industrial and civil buildings. The article describes the approach to planar trusses reliability analysis in case of limited statistical data. The proposed approach can be used when it is complicated to determine a cumulative distribution function for design loads and physical/mechanical properties of the material of structural elements. The proposed method for structural reliability analysis requires only estimates of mathematical expectations and standard deviations. The article also presents the equation for planar truss reliability assessment as a system of structural elements. The result of a planar truss reliability analysis is obtained at an interval of non-failure probabilities. If the resulting reliability interval is too wide for decision-making, it is necessary to improve the quality of statistical data for a more accurate assessment of reliability (non-failure probability).