Structural reliability calculations considering concrete tensile membrane action using the probability density evolution method

Based on experimental research on a real-scale one-way reinforced concrete slab with two spans for which the internal support was removed, a numerical model in ABAQUS was developed and validated. The model is subsequently used to investigate the uncertainty of the load bearing capacity of the damaged slab considering four key random variables. Further, the probability density evolution method (PDEM) is applied for the reliability assessment. Although PDEM has in general been applied to solve dynamic reliability problems, in this contribution this method was adapted and applied to a static problem. The PDF of the load bearing capacity is calculated considering the ultimate load bearing capacity of the slab in its damaged state, i.e. the load corresponding with the rupture of the reinforcement bars at the inner support due to the developed tensile membrane action (TMA). Taking into account the obtained PDF for the capacity of the damaged system, the reliability index of the damaged slab is assessed.