Reliability analysis methods are used to evaluate the safety of reinforced concrete structures by evaluating the limit state function 𝑔(𝑋𝑖). For implicit limit state function and nonlinear analysis , an advanced reliability analysis methods are needed. Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) can be used in this case however, as the number of input variables increases, the time required for MCS also increases, making it a time consuming method especially for complex problems with implicit performance functions. In such cases, MCS-based FORM (First Order Reliability Method) and Artificial Neural Network-based FORM (ANN FORM) have been proposed as alternatives. However, it is important to note that both MCS-FORM and ANN-FORM can also be time-consuming methods in their own right. MCS-FORM involves running multiple MCS, and the time required increases with problem complexity and desired precision. ANN-FORM, on the other hand, can be faster for repetitive reliability assessments, but the training phase can be computationally expensive, and accuracy depends on training data quality and quantity. To address this computational challenge and enhance the efficiency of reliability analysis, a novel method is proposed in this paper. This method leverages the capabilities of ABAQUS, in combination with MATLAB. The key objective of this proposed approach is to automate and streamline the repetitive tasks involved in reliability analysis, thereby significantly reducing the computational time required for such analyses. The method is based on the development of a custom ABAQUS Python script file, which interfaces with MATLAB. The script serves as a bridge between the finite element analysis capabilities of ABAQUS and the data processing and analysis capabilities of MATLAB. An illustrative example was considered to demonstrate the application of the proposed method. In this example, a deteriorated simply supported concrete beam with an implicit performance function was analysed. The objective was to assess the reliability of the beam under the given conditions. To perform this reliability analysis, the two methods were employed: MCS-FORM and ANN-FORM. Both of these methods were implemented in conjunction with the newly developed approach that integrates ABAQUS and MATLAB. The results of this analysis were quite promising. Both MCS-FORM and ANN-FORM successfully estimated the reliability of the concrete beam, and they exhibited a high level of agreement in their assessments. This presented method demonstrates its suitability for the application of reliability analysis in scenarios such as the one presented. Its efficiency in automating repetitive tasks not only simplifies the analysis process but also facilitates the generation of multiple simulations. By doing so, it significantly minimizes the time and computational resources required for reliability assessments.
Abstract
Theoretical and experimental methodologies were assessed to test curved beam made of layered composite material. The maximum stress and maximum deflection were computed for each layer and the effect of radius of curvature and curve shape on them. Because of the increase of the use of composite materials in aircraft structures and the renewed interest in these types of problems, the presented theoretical assessment was made using three different approaches: curved beam theory and an approximate 2D strength of material equations and finite element method (FEM) analysis by ANSYS 14.5 program for twelve cases of multi-layered cylindrical shell panel differs in fibe
... Show MoreReinforced concrete (RC) slabs strengthened with carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) and subjected to flexural actions may experience many types of failure, including FRP debonding, FRP rupture and concrete crushing. Of these different types of failure modes, FRP debonding stands out as the most predominant type of failure because of its dependence on the relatively weak bond interface between the soffit of the RC member and the FRP sheet attached to it. Many anchorage systems have been developed to enhance the performance of strengthened systems, one of which is the hybrid anchor, which combines the effects of patch anchors and spike anchors. Hybrid anchors have shown significant enhancement when used with RC members subjected to shear
... Show MoreThe current paper aims to identify potential factors associated with employees’ intentions to leave information and communication technology companies in Iraq. There is evident variability in the literature regarding these factors; hence, a factor analysis approach was employed to identify these factors within the surveyed environment. Due to the difficulty in precisely delineating the size of the research population, a purposive sampling method was employed to reach an appropriate number of respondents within the aforementioned companies. A total of 288 employees responded to the survey conducted via Google Forms. The test results revealed the presence of five primary factors associated with employees’ intentions to leave, name
... Show MoreScorpions and spiders belong to the class Arachnida in phylum Arthropoda. Scorpions are easily distinguished by median eyes on obvious the center of the carapace and have one pair, and lateral eyes have 2-8 in some species. Scorpions do not have good eyesight so the median eyes have always been simple and they are more sensitive than the lateral pairs. They have anterior median eyes (AME) with narrow field of view and pairs of lateral eyes (LE) with more sensitivity and response to light. Family Buthidae have 2-6 lateral eyes in Compsobuthus Mesobuthus, Hottentotta, while Vaejovidae, Chactidae and Chaerilidae have 2 pairs of lateral eyes. In addition, 3 pairs are found in Orthochirus and Androctonus. Spiders have six eyes in family Pholicid
... Show MoreBoth normally developed insects and insects developed after cessation of eggs growth were
used in this work. Cessation of eggs growth occurred following abnormal conditions, which
lasted for 3.5 months before developing into adults, due to the war led by the U.S. and her
alliances against Iraq. These insects showed low rates of water contents and an active response
to water loss. Therefore their tolerance of desiccation was weak. In addition, they had an active
ability to restore their water loss quickly, after return them to a culture, this indicates that some
changes occurred in their integumentary properties were not permanent and took their turn
within one population only, but may or may not serve this population
The thermal performance of three solar collectors with 3, 6 mm and without perforation absorber plate was assessed experimentally. The experimental tests were implemented in Baghdad during the January and February 2017. Five values of airflow rates range between 0.01 – 0.1 m3/s were used through the test with a constant airflow rate during the test day. The variation of the following parameters air temperature difference, useful energy, absorber plate temperature, and collector efficiency was recorded every 15 minutes. The experimental data reports that the increases the number of absorber plate perforations with a small diameter is more efficient rather than increasing the hole diameter of the absorber plate with decr
... Show MoreThe 3-parameter Weibull distribution is used as a model for failure since this distribution is proper when the failure rate somewhat high in starting operation and these rates will be decreased with increasing time .
In practical side a comparison was made between (Shrinkage and Maximum likelihood) Estimators for parameter and reliability function using simulation , we conclude that the Shrinkage estimators for parameters are better than maximum likelihood estimators but the maximum likelihood estimator for reliability function is the better using statistical measures (MAPE)and (MSE) and for different sample sizes.
Note:- ns : small sample ; nm=median sample
... Show MoreThe historical center's landscape suffers from neglect, despite their importance and broad capabilities in enhancing the cultural value of the historical center, as landscape includes many heterogeneous human and non-human components, material and immaterial, natural and manufactured, also different historical layers, ancient, modern and contemporary. Due to the difference in these components and layers, it has become difficult for the designer to deal with it. Therefore, the research was directed by following a methodology of actor-network theory as it deals with such a complex system and concerned with an advanced method to connect the various components of considering landscape as a ground that can include various elements and deal wi
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