Stochastic finite element analysis of structures

Based on discretization of random fields of properties of structural components,a stochastic finite element static and dynamic analysis program is developed. Analytical results of some structures using the program show that the correlation lengths of random fields and then the correlation in the properties of structural components are important to the structural reliability. In addition, the analytical results give reliability indices different from the results by the conventional FOSM method. The differences are due to the effects of both the random field of structural properties, and locations of structural components in th complete structure. It makes the actual reliability index different from designed target reliability index. The SFEM program can also give the distribution information on the profile of main cable, and the natural frequencies of suspension bridges.