Study on Reliability Assessment in Structural Analysis Considering Uncertainties

Abstract

This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the structural integrity of a carport in Boston, designed to withstand a variety of distributed loads and environmental conditions. The structure was constructed primarily of ASTM A36 steel with trapezoidal triangular roof trusses that were optimized for strength and load distribution. Extensive load analysis were performed for local climatic conditions, including dead, wind, snow, and seismic loads. Structural responses, including bending moments, shear, reaction, deflections, buckling, and axial forces, were scrutinized using techniques such as Methods of Joints and internal force analysis. Uncertainty analysis involves evaluating variability and reliability under different properties, plotting Probability Density Function (PDF) and Cumulative Distribution Function (CDF) using statistical models such as lognormal and Weibull distributions, complemented by Monte Carlo simulations (MCS) in MATLAB coding. The purpose of the design and analysis is to ensure stability, safety, and compliance with building codes, especially in predicting extreme weather and seismic events in structural engineering.