Stochastic nonlinear inelastic analysis for steel frame structure using Monte Carlo sampling

Abstract

This work comprehensively investigates the realistic ultimate resistance of steel frame structures based on the probability study model of input random variables due to uncertainty of material properties and geometric parameters. Four independent parameters and thirteen of their dependent components vary randomly in a variational range and seven scenarios of random combination are investigated by the probabilistic modeling, which incorporates the advanced inelastic analysis with direct Monte Carlo simulation. The analysis results for a typical example shows that the stochastic analysis result of steel frame's realistic ultimate resistance is lower than its deterministic analysis result, indicating that a stochastic analysis is needed to comprehensively qualify the safety of the structure. Moreover, a spectrum response, which is produced based on stochastic analysis, provides a better scientific solution.