Implementation of an optimum algorithm for structural reliability analysis based on FEM

To analyze structural reliability by the stochastic FE (finite element) method rapidly and efficiently, a method combined with the FE method and gradient optimum algorithm based on ANSYS was presented when referring to the geometric interpretation of structural reliability index. ANSYS-based development was adopted to implement it. Results of an example demonstrate that the method requires fewer FE calculations compared with the design point method and Monte-Carlo simulation, and achieves satisfactory accuracy.