Application of Strength Assessment Based on Structural Reliability Analysis : Application of Safety Index for Yielding and Fatigue

Abstract

This paper described the application of reliability method of the level-2 method for two modes of failure. Firstly, safety factor for initial yielding and cumulative fatigue damage for fatigue failure were evaluated by ordinary methods. Secondly, safety indexes for same two failure modes were evaluated by the level-2 method on condition that the same demand and the same capacity. Thirdly, the safety factor and the cumulative fatigue damage factor were compared with the safety indexes, and the relationship between the ordinary methods and the level-2 method were presented. Lastly, three design curves based on structural reliability analysis are proposed and the design formula for the estimation of failure probability in fatigue is proposed.