A time-variant reliability approach for ageing marine structures with non-linear behaviour

Assessing efficiently the lifetime of ageing naval structures needs taking into account the random and temporal character of material properties, environmental conditions and loads. Time-variant reliability methods are a way to deal with this source of concern. A realistic prediction of the durability of industrial-type structures also requires considering non-linear material behaviours induced by plasticity, damage, etc. Therefore non-linear finite element calculations are needed to predict realistically the structure response. Combination of these two approaches is thus a promising way to improve safety and durability of structures especially for naval applications. To demonstrate its feasibility and difficulties, two reliability studies are proposed: the first one focusing on a corroded elasto-plastic plate submitted to a stochastic load and the second one dealing with adhesively-bonded assemblies taking into account the adhesive damage. (C) 2010 Civil-Comp Ltd and Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.