Reliability problems: General principles and applications in mechanics of solids and structures (Q1189426)

[The articles of this volume will not be indexed individually.] Seven authors contribute to an up-to-date presentation of structural reliability. \textit{J. R. Roberts} explains mathematical techniques for predicting nonlinear dynamic system response to random excitation. These include Markov methods, statistical linearization, equivalent nonlinear equations and moment equations. Special attention is paid to the stochastic averaging method, diffusion equations and level crossing problems. \textit{F. Casciati} presents briefly principles of reliability assessment based on safety index evaluation and fast integration reliability method. In addition, a short presentation is provided about stochastic finite elements as well as expert systems and their applications to safety analysis of existing structures. \textit{P. Bjerager} gives a state-of-art on reliability computation methods for structural and mechanical engineering based on a classification of reliability models into: 1) random variable reliability models, 2) random process reliability models, 3) random field reliability models. The analytical first- and second-order reliability methods and Monte-Carlo simulation methods have been described in detail for the random variable reliability models. \textit{M. Tichy} discusses engineering aspects, operational aspects, economic aspects and legal aspects of structural reliability. The target failure probabilities are defined and the target lives are estimated for constructed facilities. \textit{Y. K. Wen} applies nonlinear stochastic dynamics and damage accumulation theory to problems of seismic engineering. A new stochastic model of ground excitation is proposed and the method of equivalent linearization is applied to nonlinear hysteretic structures. Damage analysis of reinforced concrete and masonry buildings is described and damage indices are calculated for exemplary earth-quake cases. \textit{A. Baratta} introduces a mechanical model for masonry structures. An ideal not-resisting-tension material is analysed. The complementary energy principle is assumed and constitutive laws are derived for some models of material behaviour. \textit{I. Elishakoff} delivers a brief history and review of the concepts of structural reliability. The safety factor concept is discussed from the point of view of probability. Sensitivity of failure probability is considered for a case of beam-column deflection. Convex modelling of uncertainty is suggested as optional to the probabilistic approach. No list of acronyms and mistakes in sequence of pages make some difficulties in reading.