Reliability analysis for nonlinear limit states

Abstract

An analytical procedure, incorporating individual probability distributions of random variables, is proposed for generating moments of any arbitrary order for the nonlinear limit state functions. The results are applicable for estimating reliability measures in second or higher moments based schemes. Exact probability of failure can also be calculated by contour integration in a complex plane. The formulation is based on the use of operational transforms and does not require any linearization, equivalent normal transformations or iterative numerical algorithms.