Multi-time probability density functions of the dynamic non-Gaussian response of structures

Giovanni Falsone,Rossella Laudania 국제구조공학회 2020 Structural Engineering and Mechanics, An Int'l Jou Vol.76 No.5

In the present work, an approach for the multiple time probabilistic characterization of the response of linear structural systems subjected to random non-Gaussian processes is presented. Its fundamental property is working directly on the multiple time probability density functions of the actions and of the response. This avoids of passing through the evaluation of the response statistical moments at multiple time or correlations, reducing the computational effort in a consistent measure. This approach is the extension to the multiple time case of a previously published dynamic Probability Transformation Method (PTM) working on a single evolution of the response statistics. The application to some simple examples has revealed the efficiency of the method, both in terms of computational effort and in terms of accuracy.

The use of generalized functions modeling the concentrated loads on Timoshenko beams

Falsone, Giovanni Techno-Press 2018 Structural Engineering and Mechanics, An Int'l Jou Vol.67 No.4

An incongruity is underlined about the analysis of Timoshenko beams subjected to concentrated loads modelled through the use of generalized functions. While for Euler-Bernoulli beams this modeling always leads to effective results, on the contrary, the contemporary assumptions of concentrated external moment, interpreted as a generalized function (doublet), and of shear deformation determine inconsistent discontinuities in the deflection laws. A physical/theoretical explanation of this not-neglecting incongruity is given in the text.

The use of generalized functions modeling the concentrated loads on Timoshenko beams

Giovanni Falsone 국제구조공학회 2018 Structural Engineering and Mechanics, An Int'l Jou Vol.67 No.4

An incongruity is underlined about the analysis of Timoshenko beams subjected to concentrated loads modelled through the use of generalized functions. While for Euler-Bernoulli beams this modeling always leads to effective results, on the contrary, the contemporary assumptions of concentrated external moment, interpreted as a generalized function (doublet), and of shear deformation determine inconsistent discontinuities in the deflection laws. A physical/theoretical explanation of this notneglecting incongruity is given in the text.

A dynamical stochastic finite element method based on the moment equation approach for the analysis of linear and nonlinear uncertain structures

Falsone, Giovanni,Ferro, Gabriele Techno-Press 2006 Structural Engineering and Mechanics, An Int'l Jou Vol.23 No.6

A method for the dynamical analysis of FE discretized uncertain linear and nonlinear structures is presented. This method is based on the moment equation approach, for which the differential equations governing the response first and second-order statistical moments must be solved. It is shown that they require the cross-moments between the response and the random variables characterizing the structural uncertainties, whose governing equations determine an infinite hierarchy. As a consequence, a closure scheme must be applied even if the structure is linear. In this sense the proposed approach is approximated even for the linear system. For nonlinear systems the closure schemes are also necessary in order to treat the nonlinearities. The complete set of equations obtained by this procedure is shown to be linear if the structure is linear. The application of this procedure to some simple examples has shown its high level of accuracy, if compared with other classical approaches, such as the perturbation method, even for low levels of closures.

In-plane response of masonry infilled RC framed structures: A probabilistic macromodeling approach

Dario De Domenico,Giovanni Falsone,Rossella Laudani 국제구조공학회 2018 Structural Engineering and Mechanics, An Int'l Jou Vol.68 No.4

In this paper, masonry infilled reinforced concrete (RC) frames are analyzed through a probabilistic approach. A macro-modeling technique, based on an equivalent diagonal pin-jointed strut, has been resorted to for modelling the stiffening contribution of the masonry panels. Since it is quite difficult to decide which mechanical characteristics to assume for the diagonal struts in such simplified model, the strut width is here considered as a random variable, whose stochastic characterization stems from a wide set of empirical expressions proposed in the literature. The stochastic analysis of the masonry infilled RC frame is conducted via the Probabilistic Transformation Method by employing a set of space transformation laws of random vectors to determine the probability density function (PDF) of the system response in a direct manner. The knowledge of the PDF of a set of response indicators, including displacements, bending moments, shear forces, interstory drifts, opens an interesting discussion about the influence of the uncertainty of the masonry infills and the resulting implications in a design process.

Probability-based structural response of steel beams and frames with uncertain semi-rigid connections

Domenico, Dario De,Falsone, Giovanni,Laudani, Rossella Techno-Press 2018 Structural Engineering and Mechanics, An Int'l Jou Vol.67 No.5

Within a probabilistic framework, this paper addresses the determination of the static structural response of beams and frames with partially restrained (semi-rigid) connections. The flexibility of the nodal connections is incorporated via an idealized linear-elastic behavior of the beam constraints through the use of rotational springs, which are here considered uncertain for taking into account the largely scattered results observed in experimental findings. The analysis is conducted via the Probabilistic Transformation Method, by modelling the spring stiffness terms (or equivalently, the fixity factors of the beam) as uniformly distributed random variables. The limit values of the Eurocode 3 fixity factors for steel semi-rigid connections are assumed. The exact probability density function of a few indicators of the structural response is derived and discussed in order to identify to what extent the uncertainty of the beam constraints affects the resulting beam response. Some design considerations arise which point out the paramount importance of probability-based approaches whenever a comprehensive experimental background regarding the stiffness of the beam connection is lacking, for example in steel frames with semi-rigid connections or in precast reinforced concrete framed structures. Indeed, it is demonstrated that resorting to deterministic approaches may lead to misleading (and in some cases non-conservative) outcomes from a design viewpoint.

Probability-based structural response of steel beams and frames with uncertain semi-rigid connections

Dario De Domenico,Giovanni Falsone,Rossella Laudani 국제구조공학회 2018 Structural Engineering and Mechanics, An Int'l Jou Vol.67 No.5

Within a probabilistic framework, this paper addresses the determination of the static structural response of beams and frames with partially restrained (semi-rigid) connections. The flexibility of the nodal connections is incorporated via an idealized linear-elastic behavior of the beam constraints through the use of rotational springs, which are here considered uncertain for taking into account the largely scattered results observed in experimental findings. The analysis is conducted via the Probabilistic Transformation Method, by modelling the spring stiffness terms (or equivalently, the fixity factors of the beam) as uniformly distributed random variables. The limit values of the Eurocode 3 fixity factors for steel semi-rigid connections are assumed. The exact probability density function of a few indicators of the structural response is derived and discussed in order to identify to what extent the uncertainty of the beam constraints affects the resulting beam response. Some design considerations arise which point out the paramount importance of probability-based approaches whenever a comprehensive experimental background regarding the stiffness of the beam connection is lacking, for example in steel frames with semi-rigid connections or in precast reinforced concrete framed structures. Indeed, it is demonstrated that resorting to deterministic approaches may lead to misleading (and in some cases non-conservative) outcomes from a design viewpoint.

In-plane response of masonry infilled RC framed structures: A probabilistic macromodeling approach

De Domenico, Dario,Falsone, Giovanni,Laudani, Rossella 국제구조공학회 2018 Structural Engineering and Mechanics, An Int'l Jou Vol.68 No.4

In this paper, masonry infilled reinforced concrete (RC) frames are analyzed through a probabilistic approach. A macro-modeling technique, based on an equivalent diagonal pin-jointed strut, has been resorted to for modelling the stiffening contribution of the masonry panels. Since it is quite difficult to decide which mechanical characteristics to assume for the diagonal struts in such simplified model, the strut width is here considered as a random variable, whose stochastic characterization stems from a wide set of empirical expressions proposed in the literature. The stochastic analysis of the masonry infilled RC frame is conducted via the Probabilistic Transformation Method by employing a set of space transformation laws of random vectors to determine the probability density function (PDF) of the system response in a direct manner. The knowledge of the PDF of a set of response indicators, including displacements, bending moments, shear forces, interstory drifts, opens an interesting discussion about the influence of the uncertainty of the masonry infills and the resulting implications in a design process.