Structural Reliability

This book describes the main methods used in the reliability of structures and their use in the design process leading to reliable products. This title provides the understanding needed to implement the variety of new reliability software programs.

Foreword xv

Preface xvii

Chapter 1. Introduction 1

Chapter 2. Preliminary Approach to Reliability in Mechanics 19

Chapter 3. Elementary R − S Case 39

Chapter 4. Isoprobabilistic Transformation 77

Chapter 5. Reliability Index 115

Chapter 6. Products of Reliability Analysis 147

Chapter 7. Probability of Failure 165

Chapter 8. Simulation Methods 233

Chapter 9. Reliability of Systems 265

Chapter 10. ‘Safety’ Coefficients 299

Chapter 11. Mechanical-Reliability Coupling 341

Chapter 12. Stochastic Finite Elements 391

Chapter 13. A Few Applications 441

Chapter 14. Conclusion 453

Bibliography 465

Annotations 481

A.1 Vectors and matrices 481

A.2 Operators 481

A.3 Random values 482

Index 485

Maurice Lemaire is Professor at the French Institute for Advanced Mechanics in Clermont-Ferrand and Head of the research group on mechanics and engineering. His works deal with the numerical modeling of the structures and their probabilistic approaches. He directed numerous doctorate theses and took part in many industrial studies in partnership with industrial companies. An active member of several associations, he takes part in the development of the probabilistic methods for both research and for the technical applications.