Fuzzy Optimisation of Structural Performance

Abstract

Structural performance has become a fundamental concept in advanced engineering design in construction. Basic criteria concerning the action effects and imposed performance requirements are analysed assuming two types of uncertainties: randomness and vagueness. The natural randomness of the action effect is handled by commonly used methods of the theory of probability. The vagueness of performance requirements due to indistinct or imprecise specification and perception is analysed using the basic tools of the theory of fuzzy sets. Both types of uncertainties are considered to define fuzzy probabilistic measures of structural performance, the damage function and fuzzy probability of failure. Fuzzy probabilistic optimisation of vibration constraints indicates that the limiting values recommended for the acceleration of building structures may be uneconomical. Further research should focus on verifying of the input theoretical models using available experimental data.