Mathematical Models for Structural Reliability Analysis offers mathematical models for describing load and material properties in solving structural engineering problems. Examples are provided, demonstrating how the models are implemented, and the limitations of the models are clearly stated. Analytical solutions are also discussed, and methods are clearly distinguished from models. The authors explain both theoretical models and practical applications in a clear, concise, and readable fashion.

The chapters of this book were written by structural engineers. The approach, therefore, is not aiming toward a scientific modelling of the response but to the definition of engineering procedures for detecting and avoiding undesired phenomena. In this sense chaotic and stochastic behaviour can be tackled in a similar manner. This aspect is illustrated in Chapter 1. Chapters 2 and 3 are entirely devoted to Stochastic Dynamics and cover single-degree-of-freedom systems and impact problems, respectively. Chapter 4 provides details on the numerical tools necessary for evaluating the main...

The aim of this volume is to present to researchers and engineers working on problems concerned with the mechanics of solids and structures, the current state of the development and application to procedures for assessing the reliability of a system. Particular attention is paid to their use in the analysis of complex engineering systems. The topics covered reflect the need to integrate, within the overall methodology, statistical methods for dealing with uncertain parameters and random excitation with the development of a suitable safety indexes and design codes. The basic principles of...