An Integrated Reliability Analysis Model of Sheet Pile Wharfs Based on Virtual Support Beam Model and Artificial Intelligence Algorithm

Sheet pile wharfs are widely used coastal structures with good adaptability for geological conditions. A reliability evaluation is required for safety. Challenges are raised from the complicated solution in both the structural response and reliability. To provide a flexible and efficient approach, an integrated reliability analysis model was proposed: The virtual simply support beam (VSSB) model was developed to estimate the structural response; Based on probabilistic methodologies and artificial intelligence (AI) models, the limit state surface was fitted to search reliability solutions. A case study was used to illustrate the applicability of the proposed model and compare the prediction performance of AI models. An extensive parametric study was performed to investigate the influential factors on structural reliability. Compared with finite element analysis, the VSSB model presented reasonable estimations on structural response. The genetic programming performed best in predicting structural response with an average relative absolute error (RAE) of 0.018. The corresponding integrated models gave the reliability solutions with an average RAE of less than 0.014. Soil parameters in different positions significantly affected the structural stability, that the material qualities should be addressed. This study provides references in engineering safety design and guidelines the reliability analysis framework for complicated structures.