Stochastic finite element methods for the reliability-based fire-resistant design of structures
Abstract
A reliability-based design methodology is needed to reconcile the uncertainty and ensure a consistent level of safety is provided in engineered structural fire designs. This paper presents the application of two stochastic finite element methods, namely the First- and Second-Order Reliability Methods and Monte Carlo Simulation, to the design of structures subjected to fire. An example of a protected steel column subjected to natural fire is presented. A numerical investigation of the evolution of the failure probability with time demonstrates that analytical reliability methods improve the efficiency of the simulation, although significant errors arise when treating the fuel load as a random parameter. Further analysis reveals a “kink” in the response surface due to the lack of sensitivity to the fuel load during the heating phase of fire development. Utilization of an alternative fire model overcomes this limitation.Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Authors who publish with ASFE agree to the following terms:
1. Authors retain copyright and grant the ASFE right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
2. Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.
3. Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).