Efficient slope reliability analysis under soil spatial variability using maximum entropy distribution with fractional moments

Spatial variability of soil properties imposes a challenge for practical analysis and design in geotechnical engineering.The latter is particularly true for slope stability assessment,where the effects of uncertainty are synthesized in the so-called probability of failure.This probability quantifies the reliability of a slope and its numerical calculation is usually quite involved from a numerical viewpoint.In view of this issue,this paper proposes an approach for failure probability assessment based on Latinized partially stratified sampling and maximum entropy distribution with fractional moments.The spatial variability of geotechnical properties is represented by means of random fields and the Karhunen-Loève expansion.Then,failure probabilities are estimated employing maximum entropy distribution with fractional moments.The application of the proposed approach is examined with two examples:a case study of an undrained slope and a case study of a slope with cross-correlated random fields of strength parameters under a drained slope.The results show that the proposed approach has excellent accuracy and high efficiency,and it can be applied straightforwardly to similar geotechnical engineering problems.

Three-dimensional pseudo-dynamic reliability analysis of seismic shield tunnel faces combined with sparse polynomial chaos expansion

To address the seismic face stability challenges encountered in urban and subsea tunnel construction,an efficient probabilistic analysis framework for shield tunnel faces under seismic conditions is proposed.Based on the upper-bound theory of limit analysis,an improved three-dimensional discrete deterministic mechanism,accounting for the heterogeneous nature of soil media,is formulated to evaluate seismic face stability.The metamodel of failure probabilistic assessments for seismic tunnel faces is constructed by integrating the sparse polynomial chaos expansion method(SPCE)with the modified pseudo-dynamic approach(MPD).The improved deterministic model is validated by comparing with published literature and numerical simulations results,and the SPCE-MPD metamodel is examined with the traditional MCS method.Based on the SPCE-MPD metamodels,the seismic effects on face failure probability and reliability index are presented and the global sensitivity analysis(GSA)is involved to reflect the influence order of seismic action parameters.Finally,the proposed approach is tested to be effective by a engineering case of the Chengdu outer ring tunnel.The results show that higher uncertainty of seismic response on face stability should be noticed in areas with intense earthquakes and variation of seismic wave velocity has the most profound influence on tunnel face stability.

On the Application of Mixed Models of Probability and Convex Set for Time-Variant Reliability Analysis

In time-variant reliability problems,there are a lot of uncertain variables from different sources.Therefore,it is important to consider these uncertainties in engineering.In addition,time-variant reliability problems typically involve a complexmultilevel nested optimization problem,which can result in an enormous amount of computation.To this end,this paper studies the time-variant reliability evaluation of structures with stochastic and bounded uncertainties using a mixed probability and convex set model.In this method,the stochastic process of a limit-state function with mixed uncertain parameters is first discretized and then converted into a timeindependent reliability problem.Further,to solve the double nested optimization problem in hybrid reliability calculation,an efficient iterative scheme is designed in standard uncertainty space to determine the most probable point(MPP).The limit state function is linearized at these points,and an innovative random variable is defined to solve the equivalent static reliability analysis model.The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by two benchmark numerical examples and a practical engineering problem.

Saddlepoint Approximation Method in Reliability Analysis:A Review

The escalating need for reliability analysis(RA)and reliability-based design optimization(RBDO)within engineering challenges has prompted the advancement of saddlepoint approximationmethods(SAM)tailored for such problems.This article offers a detailed overview of the general SAM and summarizes the method characteristics first.Subsequently,recent enhancements in the SAM theoretical framework are assessed.Notably,the mean value first-order saddlepoint approximation(MVFOSA)bears resemblance to the conceptual framework of the mean value second-order saddlepoint approximation(MVSOSA);the latter serves as an auxiliary approach to the former.Their distinction is rooted in the varying expansion orders of the performance function as implemented through the Taylor method.Both the saddlepoint approximation and third-moment(SATM)and saddlepoint approximation and fourth-moment(SAFM)strategies model the cumulant generating function(CGF)by leveraging the initial random moments of the function.Although their optimal application domains diverge,each method consistently ensures superior relative precision,enhanced efficiency,and sustained stability.Every method elucidated is exemplified through pertinent RA or RBDO scenarios.By juxtaposing them against alternative strategies,the efficacy of these methods becomes evident.The outcomes proffered are subsequently employed as a foundation for contemplating prospective theoretical and practical research endeavors concerning SAMs.The main purpose and value of this article is to review the SAM and reliability-related issues,which can provide some reference and inspiration for future research scholars in this field.

A practical framework for performance-based reliability analysis of subway stations based on a faultestructure combined system

It is necessary to pay particular attention to the uncertainties that exist in an engineering problem to reduce the risk of seismic damage of infrastructures against natural hazards.Moreover,certain structural performance levels should be satisfied during strong earthquakes.However,these performance levels have been only well described for aboveground structures.This study investigates the main uncertainties involved in the performance-based seismic analysis of a multi-story subway station.More than 100 pulse-like and no pulse-like ground motions have been selected.In this regard,an effective framework is presented,based on a set of nonlinear static and dynamic analyses performed by OpenSees code.The probabilistic seismic demand models for computing the free-field shear strain of soil and racking ratio of structure are proposed.These models result in less variability compared with existing relations,and make it possible to evaluate a wider range of uncertainties through reliability analysis in Rtx software using the Monte Carlo sampling method.This work is performed for three different structural performance levels(denoted as PL1ePL3).It is demonstrated that the error terms related to the magnitude and location of earthquake excitations and also the corresponding attenuation relationships have been the most important parameters.Therefore,using a faultestructure model would be inevitable for the reliability analysis of subway stations.It is found that the higher performance level(i.e.PL3)has more sensitivity to random variables than the others.In this condition,the pulse-like ground motions have a major contribution to the vulnerability of subway stations.

System Reliability Analysis for Truss Structures Based on Automatic Updated Model

Multiple failure modes tend to be identified in the reliability analysis of a redundant truss structure.This identification process involves updating the model for identifying the next potential failure members.Herein we intend to update the finite element model automatically in the identification process of failure modes and further perform the system reliability analysis efficiently.This study presents a framework that is implemented through the joint simulation of MATLAB and APDL and consists of three parts:reliability index of a single member,identification of dominant failure modes,and system-level reliability analysis for system reliability analysis of truss structures.Firstly,RSM(response surface method)combines with a constrained optimization model to calculate the reliability indices ofmembers.Then theβ-unzipping method is adopted to identify the dominant failuremodes,and the system function in MATLAB,as well as the EKILL command in APDL,is used to facilitate the automatic update of the finite element model and realize load-redistribution.Besides,the differential equivalence recursion algorithmis performed to approximate the reliability indices of failuremodes efficiently and accurately.Eventually,the PNET(probabilistic network evaluation technique)is used to calculate the joint failure probability as well as the system reliability index.Two illustrative examples demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed system reliability analysis framework through comparison with corresponding references.

Reliability Analysis of Correlated Competitive and Dependent Components Considering Random Isolation Times

In the Internet of Things(IoT)system,relay communication is widely used to solve the problem of energy loss in long-distance transmission and improve transmission efficiency.In Body Sensor Network(BSN)systems,biosensors communicate with receiving devices through relay nodes to improve their limited energy efficiency.When the relay node fails,the biosensor can communicate directly with the receiving device by releasing more transmitting power.However,if the remaining battery power of the biosensor is insufficient to enable it to communicate directly with the receiving device,the biosensor will be isolated by the system.Therefore,a new combinatorial analysis method is proposed to analyze the influence of random isolation time(RIT)on system reliability,and the competition relationship between biosensor isolation and propagation failure is considered.This approach inherits the advantages of common combinatorial algorithms and provides a new approach to effectively address the impact of RIT on system reliability in IoT systems,which are affected by competing failures.Finally,the method is applied to the BSN system,and the effect of RIT on the system reliability is analyzed in detail.

Reliability Analysis of Satellite Turntable System under Multiple Operation Modes Based on Multi-Valued Decision Diagrams

As a payload support system deployed on satellites,the turntable system is often switched among different working modes during the on-orbit operation,which can experience great state changes.In each mode,the missions to be completed are different,consecutive and non-over-lapping,from which the turntable system can be considered to be a phased-mission system(PMS).Reliability analysis for PMS has been widely studied.However,the system mode cycle characteristic has not been taken into account before.In this paper,reliability analysis method of the satellite turntable system is proposed considering its multiple operation modes and mode cycle characteristic.Firstly,the multi-valued decision diagrams(MDD)manipulation rules between two adjacent mission cycles are proposed.On this basis,MDD models for the turntable system in different states are established and the reliability is calculated using the continuous time Markov chains(CTMC)method.Finally,the comparative study is carried out to show the effectiveness of our proposed method.

Reliability analysis of piles constructed on slopes under laterally loading

Response surface method is used to study the reliability analysis of laterally loaded piles in sloping ground. A development load-displacement （p-y） curve for laterally loaded pile response in sloping ground is used to model the pile-soil system, both the pile head displacement and the maximum bending moment of the piles are used as the performance criteria in this study. The reliability analysis method of the laterally loaded pile in sloping ground under the pile head displacement and the maximum bending moment failure modes is proposed, which is in good agreement with the Monte Carlo method. The influences on the probability index of failure by a number of parameters are discussed. It is shown that the variability of pile head displacement increases with the increase in the coefficients of variation of ultimate bearing capacity factor （Npu）, secant elastic modulus at 50%（E50） and level load （H）. A negative correlation between Npu and non-dimensional factor （λ） leads to less spread out probability density function （PDF） of the pile head displacement;in contrast, a positive correlation between Npu andλgives a great variation in the PDF of pile head displacement. As for bearing capacity factor on ground surface （Npo） and λ, both negative and positive correlations between them give a great variation in the PDF of pile head displacement, and a negative correlation will obviously increase the variability of the response.

Reliability Analysis of a Mixed Redundant Model in C 3I System

Aim To define a mixed redundant model(MRM), improving the reliability of C 3I system. Methods The model combined the technology characters of two? unit system with one warm stand by unit and function substitute system. The reliability and availability equations of MRM were deduced. Results and Conclusion Compared with several other reliability models, it has obvious effect upon improving the system reliability. The effect? cost rate is very high among these models. The model can be used in reliability design, evaluation and check of C 3I system. Only a little attached cost is needed to improve C 3I system reliability effectively.

Reliability analysis of slopes considering spatial variability of soil properties based on efficiently identified representative slip surfaces

Slope reliability analysis considering inherent spatial variability(ISV)of soil properties is timeconsuming when response surface method(RSM)is used,because of the"curse of dimensionality".This paper proposes an effective method for identification of representative slip surfaces(RSSs)of slopes with spatially varied soils within the framework of limit equilibrium method(LEM),which utilizes an adaptive K-means clustering approach.Then,an improved slope reliability analysis based on the RSSs and RSM considering soil spatial variability,in perspective of computation efficiency,is established.The detailed implementation procedure of the proposed method is well documented,and the ability of the method in identifying RSSs and estimating reliability is investigated via three slope examples.Results show that the proposed method can automatically identify the RSSs of slope with only one evaluation of the conventional deterministic slope stability model.The RSSs are invariant with the statistics of soil properties,which allows parametric studies that are often required in slope reliability analysis to be efficiently achieved with ease.It is also found that the proposed method provides comparable values of factor of safety(FS)and probability of failure(Pf)of slopes with those obtained from direct analysis and lite rature.

Advanced reliability analysis of slopes in spatially variable soils using multivariate adaptive regression splines

This study aims to extend the multivariate adaptive regression splines(MARS)-Monte Carlo simulation(MCS) method for reliability analysis of slopes in spatially variable soils. This approach is used to explore the influences of the multiscale spatial variability of soil properties on the probability of failure(P_f) of the slopes. In the proposed approach, the relationship between the factor of safety and the soil strength parameters characterized with spatial variability is approximated by the MARS, with the aid of Karhunen-Loeve expansion. MCS is subsequently performed on the established MARS model to evaluate Pf.Finally, a nominally homogeneous cohesive-frictional slope and a heterogeneous cohesive slope, which are both characterized with different spatial variabilities, are utilized to illustrate the proposed approach.Results showed that the proposed approach can estimate the P_f of the slopes efficiently in spatially variable soils with sufficient accuracy. Moreover, the approach is relatively robust to the influence of different statistics of soil properties, thereby making it an effective and practical tool for addressing slope reliability problems concerning time-consuming deterministic stability models with low levels of P_f.Furthermore, disregarding the multiscale spatial variability of soil properties can overestimate or underestimate the P_f. Although the difference is small in general, the multiscale spatial variability of the soil properties must still be considered in the reliability analysis of heterogeneous slopes, especially for those highly related to cost effective and accurate designs.

Improved Reliability Analysis Method Based on the Failure Assessment Diagram

With the uncertainties related to operating conditions,in-service non-destructive testing（NDT） measurements and material properties considered in the structural integrity assessment,probabilistic analysis based on the failure assessment diagram（FAD） approach has recently become an important concern.However,the point density revealing the probabilistic distribution characteristics of the assessment points is usually ignored.To obtain more detailed and direct knowledge from the reliability analysis,an improved probabilistic fracture mechanics（PFM） assessment method is proposed.By integrating 2D kernel density estimation（KDE） technology into the traditional probabilistic assessment,the probabilistic density of the randomly distributed assessment points is visualized in the assessment diagram.Moreover,a modified interval sensitivity analysis is implemented and compared with probabilistic sensitivity analysis.The improved reliability analysis method is applied to the assessment of a high pressure pipe containing an axial internal semi-elliptical surface crack.The results indicate that these two methods can give consistent sensitivities of input parameters,but the interval sensitivity analysis is computationally more efficient.Meanwhile,the point density distribution and its contour are plotted in the FAD,thereby better revealing the characteristics of PFM assessment.This study provides a powerful tool for the reliability analysis of critical structures.

Application of cusp catastrophe theory to reliability analysis of slopes in open-pit mines

A method of slope reliability analysis was developed by imposing a state equation on the limit equilibrium theory, given the basis of a fixed safety factor technique. Among the many problems of reliability analysis, the most important problem is to find a performance function. We have created a new method of building a limit state equation for planar slip surfaces by applying the mathematical cusp catastrophe theory. This new technique overcomes the defects in the traditional rigid limit equilibrium theory and offers a new way for studying the reliability problem of planar slip surfaces. Consequently, we applied the technique to a case of an open-pit mine and compared our results with that of the traditional approach. From the results we conclude that both methods are essentially consistent, but the reliability index calculated by the traditional model is lower than that from the catastrophic model. The catastrophe model takes into consideration two possible situations of a slope being in the limit equilibrium condition, i.e., it may or may not slip. In the traditional method, however, a slope is definitely considered as slipping when it meets the condition of a limit equilibrium. We conclude that the catastrophe model has more actual and instructive importance compared to the traditional model.

Reliability analysis of earth slopes using hybrid chaotic particle swarm optimization

A numerical procedure for reliability analysis of earth slope based on advanced first-order second-moment method is presented,while soil properties and pore water pressure may be considered as random variables.The factor of safety and performance function is formulated utilizing a new approach of the Morgenstern and Price method.To evaluate the minimum reliability index defined by Hasofer and Lind and corresponding critical probabilistic slip surface,a hybrid algorithm combining chaotic particle swarm optimization and harmony search algorithm called CPSOHS is presented.The comparison of the results of the presented method,standard particle swarm optimization,and selected other methods employed in previous studies demonstrates the superior successful functioning of the new method by evaluating lower values of reliability index and factor of safety.Moreover,the presented procedure is applied for sensitivity analysis and the obtained results show the influence of soil strength parameters and probability distribution types of random variables on the reliability index of slopes.

Performance Degradation and Reliability Analysis for Redundant Actuation System

Redundant actuator is the key component of Fly-By-Wire （FBW） system in which exists the inherent force fighting among different redundant channels at colligation point, This paper establishes the mathematical model of quad redundant actuator （QRA）, investigates the force equalization algorithm and carries out the performance degradation simulation and reliability analysis under the first failure and the second failure. The results indicate that the optimal equalization algorithm can solve the force fighting effectively, and the QRA can operate at degradation performance continuously under the first failure and the second failure. With the dynamic fault tree analysis, this paper calculates the reliability based on the performance of QRA and proves that the redundant actuator has very high reliability and safety.

Reliability analysis of supporting pressure in tunnels based on three-dimensional failure mechanism

Based on nonlinear failure criterion,a three-dimensional failure mechanism of the possible collapse of deep tunnel is presented with limit analysis theory.Support pressure is taken into consideration in the virtual work equation performed under the upper bound theorem.It is necessary to point out that the properties of surrounding rock mass plays a vital role in the shape of collapsing rock mass.The first order reliability method and Monte Carlo simulation method are then employed to analyze the stability of presented mechanism.Different rock parameters are considered random variables to value the corresponding reliability index with an increasing applied support pressure.The reliability indexes calculated by two methods are in good agreement.Sensitivity analysis was performed and the influence of coefficient variation of rock parameters was discussed.It is shown that the tensile strength plays a much more important role in reliability index than dimensionless parameter,and that small changes occurring in the coefficient of variation would make great influence of reliability index.Thus,significant attention should be paid to the properties of surrounding rock mass and the applied support pressure to maintain the stability of tunnel can be determined for a given reliability index.

Distributed collaborative extremum response surface method for mechanical dynamic assembly reliability analysis

To make the dynamic assembly reliability analysis more effective for complex machinery of multi-object multi-discipline(MOMD),distributed collaborative extremum response surface method(DCERSM)was proposed based on extremum response surface method(ERSM).Firstly,the basic theories of the ERSM and DCERSM were investigated,and the strengths of DCERSM were proved theoretically.Secondly,the mathematical model of the DCERSM was established based upon extremum response surface function(ERSF).Finally,this model was applied to the reliability analysis of blade-tip radial running clearance(BTRRC)of an aeroengine high pressure turbine(HPT)to verify its advantages.The results show that the DCERSM can not only reshape the possibility of the reliability analysis for the complex turbo machinery,but also greatly improve the computational speed,save the computational time and improve the computational efficiency while keeping the accuracy.Thus,the DCERSM is verified to be feasible and effective in the dynamic assembly reliability(DAR)analysis of complex machinery.Moreover,this method offers an useful insight for designing and optimizing the dynamic reliability of complex machinery.

An efficient probabilistic design approach for tunnel face stability by inverse reliability analysis

In order to maintain the safety of underground constructions that significantly involve geo-material uncertainties,this paper delivers a new computation framework for conducting reliability-based design(RBD)of shallow tunnel face stability,utilizing a simplified inverse first-order reliability method(FORM).The limit state functions defining tunnel face stability are established for both collapse and blow-out modes of the tunnel face failure,respectively,and the deterministic results of the tunnel face support pressure are obtained through three-dimensional finite element limit analysis(FELA).Because the inverse reliability method can directly capture the design support pressure according to prescribed target reliability index,the computational cost for probabilistic design of tunnel face stability is greatly reduced.By comparison with Monte Carlo simulation results,the accuracy and feasibility of the proposed method are verified.Further,this study presents a series of reliability-based design charts for vividly understanding the limit support pressure on tunnel face in both cohesionless(sandy)soil and cohesive soil stratums,and their optimal support pressure ranges are highlighted.The results show that in the case of sandy soil stratum,the blowout failure of tunnel face is extremely unlikely,whereas the collapse is the only possible failure mode.The parametric study of various geotechnical uncertainties also reveals that ignoring the potential correlation between soil shear strength parameters will lead to over-designed support pressure,and the coefficient of variation of internal friction angle has a greater influence on the tunnel face failure probability than that of the cohesion.

Reliability Analysis of Electromechanical Systems with Degraded Components Containing Multiple Performance Parameters

Components of electromechanical systems usually contain multiple performance parameters and degrade over time. In previous studies, the reliability of these electromechanical systems was analyzed by the traditional method, and the system reliability was estimated based on the reliability of components and the structures of the systems. The system reliability estimated by the traditional method could not reflect the performance of the systems. A new method is proposed in this paper to analyze the system reliability according to the data of multiple performance degraded processes of components. The performance distribution of a degraded component is obtained by the performance degradation analysis, and then states of the component are defined and corresponding state probabilities are estimated. The universal generating function method is proposed and extended to compute the performance distribution and reliability of the system based on the performances of components. A numerical example illustrates the proposed method. The results of the example show that the proposed method can relate the performance of the system to the performances of components and absolutely reflect the relationship between reliability and performance. Compared with the exact values of the system reliability, the results obtained by the proposed method is almost the same with the exact values, and the results obtained by the traditional method are conservative. The proposed method overcomes the shortcomings of the traditional method and provides a new approach to analyze the reliability of electromechanical systems with degraded components containing multiple performance parameters.