Safety analysis of beams on elastic foundations using initial value method

Abstract

The effect of coefficient of variation in various base parameters on the final output parameters of beams on elastic foundations is considered. The final output parameters considered are deflection, slope and bending moment. The method used to get the final parameters for any coefficient of variation is the initial value method. Optimal coefficients of variation are recommended based on the present study. These can then be used to calculate safety indices based on rigorous Monte Carlo Simulation. The study considers the input parameters in the zone of x̄ − 3σ to x̄ + 3σ (corresponding to approximately 0.1 to 99.9% confidence level), where x̄ is the mean of any of the base parameters and σ is the corresponding standard deviation of that variable which is considered to have normal distribution.