Effect of Random Imperfections on Reliability of Double-Layer Space Structures

It is impossible to estimate and ensure the safety of a double-layer space structure without consideration of the influences of uncertainties. In fact, precise manufacturing and assembling of such structure with hundreds or thousands of members is almost impossible and the existence of several imperfections such as non-rectilinearity of geometric axis of members, material and connection defects, initial lack of fit and residual stresses, which inherently has random nature, is inevitable. Consequently, the response of a real-life structure has also random nature. So this paper investigates the effects of these random imperfections on reliability of double-layer space structures by using Monte Carlo simulation method. OpenSees finite element software package is used to perform the numerical analysis. It is demonstrated that these random imperfections have significant influences on reliability assessment of double-layer space structures.