Pii: 0143-8174(84)90057-x

Structural reliability depends on uncertainties in resistance and loads. In many practical cases the resistance dominates and a reduction of uncertainty about resistance is an effective way of increasing safety. It can be accomplished by proof loading. A truncated distribution is considered and reliability indices are calculated for various proof load levels. The structural reliability is sensitive to proof loading for larger coefficients of variation of resistance. A Bayesian approach is applied to develop a posterior distribution for resistance, after proof loading. Reliability indices are calculated for various ratios of the coefficients of variation of load and resistance. NOTATION hi F f P Parameter in Bayesian formula Cumulative distribution function Probability density function Probability 85 Reliability Engineering 0143-8174/84/$03-00 © Elsevier Applied Science Publishers Ltd, England, 1984. Printed in Great Britain 86 Tz)3' Shan Lin. Andrze] S. Nowak P PF O q OP R r R r S S Xi x; x;' O" Non-dimensional proof load Probability of failure Load effect Reduced variable, load effect Proof load Resistance Reduced variable, resistance Variable representing objective uncertainties in R Variable representing subjective uncertainties in R Realization of S Variable representing result of proof loading Survival of the ith consecutive proof loading Failure at the ith consecutive proof loading Reliability index Central safety factor Standard normal distribution function Standard deviation Subscripts Q Load effect q Reduced variable, load effect R Resistance r Reduced variable, resistance Superscripts Mean value * Truncated distribution or its parameter