On the reliability-based design of structures including passive energy dissipation systems

This contribution presents a methodology for stochastic design of structures including vibration protection systems. The approach is then used to investigate the effect of uncertain model parameters on the reliability-based optimal design of structures with a class of passive energy dissipation systems. The uncertainty of structural parameters as well as the variability of future excitations are characterized in a probabilistic manner. The optimal design problem is formulated as a non-linear constrained minimization problem involving multiple design requirements, including reliability constraints related to the structural performance. Failure events defined by a large number of random variables are used to characterize the reliability measures. A sequential optimization approach based on global conservative, convex and separable approximations is implemented for solving the optimization problem. The effects of uncertain model parameters on the performance, robustness and reliability of protected systems is illustrated by two example problems that consider multi-story buildings under stochastic ground excitation.

► The effectiveness of protective systems under uncertain conditions has been investigated.
► Response of structural protective systems may exhibit a substantial variability.
► Uncertain model parameters affect the reliability of protected systems.
► Uncertain model parameters should be properly accounted for during the design process.