Structural Analysis and Reliability Assessment: Revision 2003-02

Structural Analysis and Reliability Assessment
SARA
User's manual
Version 2.0.1.1
Revision 2003-02
Cervenka Consulting, Prague, Czech Republic, cervenka@cervenka.cz

SARA - Structural Analysis and Reliability Assessment
Contents:
1. Introduction
2. SARA working scheme
3. Example of using SARA Studio
4. Advanced functions in SARA Studio
2
1. Introduction.
The programs FREET and ATENA are integrated in software package SARA
(Structural Analysis and Reliability Assessment) in order to allow for a probabilistic
nonlinear analysis of concrete structures.
The interactive graphical shell SARA Studio was developed in order to assure well-
arranged data exchange and management as well as control of both mentioned
programs and additional supporting tools. The whole process of the nonlinear
stochastic simulation is controlled by the user due to commands and interfaces
available in SARA Studio.
1.1 Preparing of deterministic input
The deterministic FE-model of the analyzed problem should be developed and well
tested in deterministic version of ATENA software before the random study is started.
All calculation parameters (load steps, monitoring points etc.) should be prepared for
the stochastic calculation in advance and included in this model.
1.2 Randomization of input variables
The material properties and other input parameters used in ATENA deterministic
analysis are firstly defined. These values are exported to FREET, where they will be
used as mean values for random distributions of the corresponding variables. Further
stochastic parameters (variance, type of the probability density function) for selected
variables are defined directly in FREET. The randomness of input variables reflects
uncertainties and randomness of the input values regarding material properties,
geometry of the structure, prestressing etc. Integrated database of stochastic
parameters for various structural and material properties (concrete, reinforcing steel,
prestressing, geometrical imperfections) is available in order to support the user in
preparing of the stochastic input data. Correlation between random input variables
can be introduced in form of the correlation matrix. Number of samples is selected
accord-ing to complexity of the problem to be solved and required quality of expected
results. Already 8 samples could give a reasonable estimation of stochastic
parameters of the structural response and reliability index prediction.
1.3 Repeated nonlinear solution
In the next step, sets of input parameters for the required number of samples are
generated by FREET. SARA Studio prepares input data for the multiple analysis
using ATENA. The single samples are consequently solved in ATENA under SARA
Studio control. Selected results from the structural response from ATENA solution
(ultimate load, de-flection, maximum crack width etc.) are collected. Finally, obtained
results are transferred to FREET and evaluated in form of histograms of structural re-
sponse and sensitivity plots. Reliability index can be assessed.
3
2. SARA working scheme.

The solution procedure can be itemized as follows:
1) Deterministic model of the structure is prepared and checked within ATENA.
2) Uncertainties and randomness of the input pa-rameters are modeled as random

variables de-scribed by their probability density functions (PDF). The result of this
step is the set of input parameters for ATENA computational model – random
variables described by mean value, vari-ance and other statistical parameters
(generally by PDF).
3) Random input parameters are generated accord-ing to their PDF using LHS
sampling. Statistical correlation among the parameters is imposed using
simulated annealing.
4) Generated samples of random parameters are used as inputs for ATENA

computational model. The complex nonlinear solution is performed and selected
results (structural response) are saved.
5) Previous two steps are repeated for all samples.
6) The resulting set of structural responses from the whole simulation process is
statistically evaluated. The results are: histogram, mean value, variance,
coefficient of skewness, empirical cumulative probability density function of
structural response, sensitivity evaluation, reliability index assessment.
4
3. Example of using SARA Studio

Start program SARA Studio. Following window should appear:
Fig. 1 SARA Studio introductory window
5
The relative or absolute working directory and ATENA language mutation can be set
by choosing Options on the upper command bar, and then General:
Fig. 2 General options setting window
6
New project is created in the actual working directory selecting Project on the upper
command bar, and then New:
Fig. 3 New project window
Name of the project should be inputed, directory name is generated automatically.

Comments can be added. Base name for creating task names of samples can be
adjusted. Default base name is task. Task name for each sample is generated from
the task name combined with the number of actual realization. Number of digits used
for creating names of samples could be adjusted by the Index length. Default value
is 3, which is usually optimal.
7
Project can be manipulated using the pull-down menu Project.
Fig. 4 Pull-down menu Project
8
The prepared deterministic input is imported as the "mean sample" selecting Basic
task and then Import .cc2:
Fig. 5 Selecting basic task for import into project
9
The imported input file can be optionally checked selecting pull-down menu Basic
task and then Open basic .cc2:
Fig. 6 Pull-down menu Basic task
10
The software ATENA will be started and the Basic task will be automatically opened.
Fig. 7 ATENA preprocessing GUE with Basic task
In the preprocessing GUE of ATENA all input values can checked or adjusted if
necessary. In case of editing the resulting file should be saved.
11
In the next step the task should be randomized. In the upper command bar select
Randomization, then Input and Randomization:
Fig. 8 Randomization pull-down menu
12
Software FREET will be started, following FREET window appears:
Fig. 9 FREET introductory window
13
In the Stochastic model of FREET the desired distributions of the material

properties and prestressing should be adjusted in Random variables.
Fig. 10 Setting of random variables in FREET
14
The Statistical corelation among the random variables can be introduced.
Fig. 11 Introducing the statistical correlation in FREET
15
In the Latin hypercube sampling menu in General data the desired Number of
simulations is to be adjusted and pressing the Run Sampling button the LHS
permutations are generated using simualted annealing.
Fig. 12 Setting of Latin Hypercube Sampling in FREET
16
Fig. 13 Latin Hypercube Sampling run-time
17
In the next step, the LHS permutations are used for generation of ATENA samples -
input files. Use Latin hypercube sampling menu, Run Sampling and press the Run
Atena Sampling button.
Fig. 14 Generating ATENA input files
18
Consequntly, FREET window is closed and following SARA Studie screen appear.
8 samples were generated and they are prepared for solution.
Fig. 15 SARA Studio with generated samples
Select the pull-down menu Analysis and Run analyses.
19
Window for selecting jobs to be run appear. Use the Select all option pressing the
corresponding button.
Fig. 16 Selecting jobs for sample analyses
Aftre pressing the OK button, ATENA analyses will run.
20
The runtime window appear or it could be activated on the task bar. All the usual
ATENA Settings for real-time graphics are available.
Fig. 17 ATENA run-time graphics window
21
During the analysis SARA Studio shows histogram of results. The monitored value
can be selected (arrow at Displacement Component 2).
Fig. 18 SARA Studio run-time histogram window during analyses
22
After finishing of all samples the Statistic evaluation in FREET pull-down menu can
be performed.
Fig. 19 SARA Studio run-time window after the last analysis - activating evaluation
23
Use FREET Statistical analysis menu for histogram and senistivity etc. evaluation.
Fig. 20 FREET - histogram evaluation
24
Fig. 21 FREET - sensitivity analysis
Afterwards, exit FREET, save your project and exit SARA Studio (Start menu, Exit).
Fig. 22 Exit SARA Studio
25
4. Advanced functions in SARA Studio
26

Structural Analysis and Reliability Assessment: Revision 2003-02

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Structural Analysis and Reliability Assessment: Revision 2003-02

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Structural Analysis and Reliability Assessment

Cervenka Consulting, Prague, Czech Republic, cervenka@cervenka.cz

2. SARA working scheme

3. Example of using SARA Studio

4. Advanced functions in SARA Studio

1.1 Preparing of deterministic input

1.2 Randomization of input variables

1.3 Repeated nonlinear solution

2. SARA working scheme.

1) Deterministic model of the structure is prepared and checked within ATENA.

2) Uncertainties and randomness of the input pa-rameters are modeled as random

4) Generated samples of random parameters are used as inputs for ATENA

5) Previous two steps are repeated for all samples.

3. Example of using SARA Studio

Fig. 1 SARA Studio introductory window

Fig. 2 General options setting window

Fig. 3 New project window

Name of the project should be inputed, directory name is generated automatically.

Project can be manipulated using the pull-down menu Project.

Fig. 4 Pull-down menu Project

Fig. 5 Selecting basic task for import into project

Fig. 6 Pull-down menu Basic task

Fig. 7 ATENA preprocessing GUE with Basic task

Fig. 8 Randomization pull-down menu

Software FREET will be started, following FREET window appears:

Fig. 9 FREET introductory window

In the Stochastic model of FREET the desired distributions of the material

Fig. 10 Setting of random variables in FREET

The Statistical corelation among the random variables can be introduced.

Fig. 11 Introducing the statistical correlation in FREET

Fig. 12 Setting of Latin Hypercube Sampling in FREET

Fig. 13 Latin Hypercube Sampling run-time

Fig. 14 Generating ATENA input files

Fig. 15 SARA Studio with generated samples

Select the pull-down menu Analysis and Run analyses.

Fig. 16 Selecting jobs for sample analyses

Aftre pressing the OK button, ATENA analyses will run.

Fig. 17 ATENA run-time graphics window

Fig. 18 SARA Studio run-time histogram window during analyses

Fig. 20 FREET - histogram evaluation

Fig. 21 FREET - sensitivity analysis

Fig. 22 Exit SARA Studio

4. Advanced functions in SARA Studio

You might also like