The stochastic finite element method in structural reliability

First-order reliability and finite element methods are used to develop a methodology for reliability analysis of structures with stochastically varying properties and subjected to random loads. Two methods for discretization of random fields are examined and the influence of the correlation length of random property or load fields on the reliability of example structures are investigated. It is found that the correlation length of load fields has significant influence on the reliability against displacement or stress limit states. The correlation length of property fields is significant for displacement limit states, but may not be significant for stress limit states. Examples studied include a fixed ended beam with stochastic rigidity and a plate with stochastic elasticity.