Probabilistic limit and shakedown analysis of thin plates and shells

The reliability analysis of plates and shells with respect to plastic collapse or to inadaptation is formulated on the basis of limit and shakedown theorems. Based on a direct definition of file limit state function, the non-linear problems may be efficiently solved by using the first and second-order reliability methods (FORM/SORM). In order to get the design point, it non-linear optimisation was implemented. Sensitivity analyses are obtained numerically from a mathematical problem. This direct approach reduces considerably the necessary knowledge of uncertain technological input data, computing costs and the numerical error. Numerical examples are presented to show the validity and effectiveness of the present method. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.