Abstract
A sequential quadratic programming algorithm is developed for the optimum reliability-based design of framed structures, using the Stochastic Finite Element Method (SFEM). The problem is formulated to include both element-level and system-level reliability requirements, by using the former in the objective function and the latter to define the feasible region for optimum design. SFEM is used to estimate the reliability of the structure for various element-level performance criteria, while the failure mode approach is used to estimate system reliability. The use of SFEM also provides information about the gradient of the objective function and the constraints with respect to the design variables; this proves advantageous in formulating the optimization algorithm. A modular approach in the formulation allows the addition or deletion of limit states as desired, and the assignment of varying requirements for different criteria. These aspects and advantages of the proposed algorithm are illustrated with the help of numerical examples.
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