On the Assessment of Robustness II: Numerical Investigations

Authors

Matthias Schubert, Daniel Straub, Jack W. Baker and Michael H. Faber

Abstract

A framework for quantitatively assessing a generic system's robustness under various exposure conditions has been proposed in a companion paper. In the present paper, numerical studies are performed using this framework, and results are presented for a variety of idealized structural systems. These results demonstrate the use of the proposed robustness index, and provide insight into system properties affecting robustness. Considered exposures include the design live load and an extraordinary exposure representing a fire or explosion that causes the loss of one or more system components. The results indicate that properties affecting system reliability, such as number of components or the stochastic properties of the load, also affect robustness. In addition, properties such as failure consequences or time to repair a damaged system also affect robustness. The examples show the type of information that can be obtained from this robustness assessment, as well as suggest that simplified guidelines for robustness-based design might be identified through more complete calibration studies.

Published in/by

Workshop Robustness of Structures, November, 28-29, 2005 BRE, Garston, Watford, UK.
Available on http://www.jcss.ethz.ch/