Optimization and Reliability of Structures

Year
1
Academic year
2011-2012
Code
03005039
Subject Area
Structures
Language of Instruction
Portuguese
Mode of Delivery
Face-to-face
Duration
SEMESTRIAL
ECTS Credits
6.0
Type
Elective
Level
3rd Cycle Studies

Recommended Prerequisites

Mathematic Analysis; Algebra; Structures; Probability and Statistics; Numerical Methods; Finite Elements.

Teaching Methods

Theoretical lectures with detailed explanation of the concepts, principles and fundamental theories, supported by audiovisual media. Resolution of some practical exercises, helping to frame the subjects and put them in tune with the students understanding.

Programming of the practical works distributed to the students in the classes.

Discussion and clarification of doubts concerning the study or the development of the works.

Learning Outcomes

The students first learn the concepts and techniques of structural optimization. Plastic limit analysis and synthesis of ductile structures are solved via linear programming.  The optimization of elastic structures with continuous design variables follows. Strategies for solving problems with discrete design variables are taught. Level II and level III reliability methods of structural systems are studied. Finally the random mechanical modeling of structures and loading is developed. 

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Structural Optimization
1.1 Mathematical programming. Conditions for optimality
1.2 Linear Programming: Plastic limit analysis; Plastic limit synthesis.
1.3 Nonlinear programming algorithms: One dimensional optimization; Unconstrained optimization; Optimization of a constrained function.
1.4 Sizing of structures with linearly elastic behavior. Shape optimization.
1.5 Algorithms for Discrete programming: Branch and bound and Genetic algorithms
1.6 Structural optimization with discrete variables
2. Structural Reliability
2.1 Theorems of total probability and Bayes. Analytic models of random phenomena.
2.2 Empirical determination of the distribution models. Statistics of extremes.
2.3 Level II Reliability concepts. Structural Reliability considering multiple modes of failure
2.4 Reliability–based design: Design criteria; Second moment criteria
2.5 Level III Reliability-based design. Monte Carlo simulation, directional sampling, importance sampling.
2.6 Reliability-based structural optimum design.

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Exam: 50.0%
Reports of pratical work: 50.0%

Bibliography

1. Simões, L.M.C. -  “Optimização de Estruturas”, ST- Artes Gráficas , 2008.

2. Simões, L.M.C. -  “Fiabilidade de Estruturas”, ST- Artes Gráficas , 2008.

3. Haftka, R.T. ; Gurdal, Z. – “Elements of Structural Optimization”, Klewer, 1992.

4. Mitchell,M. – “Introduction to Genetic Algorithms”, MIT Press, 1996.

5. Ang, A.H.S, Tang, W.H. - Probability Concepts in Engineering Planning and Design, J.Wiley, 1982.