An Advanced First-Order Method for System Reliability
This paper proposes an iterative first-order method for accurate estimation of the joint failure region of two nonlinear limit states. Current methods use either a first-order approach...

Structural Reliability and Failure Mechanism Determination Using Monte Carlo Simulation with Variance Reduction Techniques
The objective of this paper is to present a possible method for assessing a structure's reliability and determining the collapse mechanism using Monte-Carlo simulation with variance reduction...

A Two-Stage Safety Assessment Methodology for Construction Activities
The control of construction activities requires the evaluation of the condition of the control attributes of interest. In order to develop the required methodology, a model of the construction...

Numerical Solution of the Transient Fokker-Planck Equation: The Movie
The finite element method is applied to the solution of the transient Fokker-Planck equation for several nonlinear dynamical systems in R2, giving...

Reliability-Based Optimization Using Sequential Quadratic Programming
This paper proposes a method for reliability-based optimization of large structures using the Stochastic Finite Element Method, including both component and system reliabilities. In SFEM,...

Reliability Analysis of Plates with Initial Deflection by Entropy Model
Reliability analysis of postbuckling strength is discussed on rectangular plates with initial deflections whose statistical mechanism is estimated by the maximum entropy criteria. Assuming...

Critical Buckling Load Statistics of an Uncertain Column
The objective of this paper is to examine the statistics of the buckling load of a column with uncertain material properties. The elastic modulus is assumed to be a random process that...

Parameter Estimation in Complex Linear Structures
We present a new parameter estimation method which simultaneously computes element constitutive parameters and unmeasured displacements of finite element models from measured static responses....

2-D Evaporation and Root Extraction in an FEM
Two-dimensional processes of soil evaporation and moisture extraction by plant roots (horizontal and vertical) were incorporated into a saturated/unsaturated finite element model (UNSAT2)...

Holistic Approach to Irrigation Management in Developing Countries
Sound development of irrigation and drainage projects in developing countries is a continuing need to reduce hunger, environmental degradation and excess population growth; and to promote...

Ground-water Policy-making Support: USEM Optimization Modeling Plus GIS and Graphics
A support tool for ground-water management decision making involves integration of a multiobjective optimization model, GIS and graphics software. Two results are improved consideration...

An Interagency Program to Improve Irrigated Agriculture
An interagency Management Improvement Program (MIP) has been initiated to develop, apply, and evaluate the MIP methodology as a way to improve resource management and organizational effectiveness...

Highway Design in 3-D
Limitations in the flexibility and intelligence of commercial roadway design packages led Hart-Freeland-Roberts, Inc., Brentwood, TN, to write its own highway design software. From the...

An Approach for Incorporating Inflows Uncertainty in Management Models
Inflow uncertainty is probably the most difficult issue for optimal management of conjunctive use water resources systems. In many instances, the effect of future inflows and their uncertainty...

Rock Creek?Cresta Sediment Management Plan
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), an investor owned utility serving northern and central California, is working to manage sediments at its Rock Creek - Cresta Hydroelectric...

Three Dimensional Modeling of Watershed Hydrology
A three dimensional finite element numerical model is developed for the first order watershed hydrology using 8-noded isoparametric brick elements. The 3-D subsurface flow in a hillslope...

Applying the ARMOS and MOFAT Models to a Major Oil Spill
A study was undertaken to evaluate the impact of a crude oil pipeline rupture in the recharge area of the aquifer serving most of West Tennessee. The main challenge was to model the volume...

Planning, Assessing and Implementing Pipeline Rehabilitation Options
The methods of investigation for determining pipeline rehabilitation options for design and construction are directed chiefly toward: a) cost minimization of necessary rehabilitation projects;...

Simplified Design of Multi-Stage Outfalls for Urban Detention Basins
This paper presents a simple method for designing multiple stage outlets for detention basins. The method is based on formulas which were derived for the rational and modified rational...

Site Impact Traffic Assessment
Problems and Solutions
Transportation needs have traditionally derived from land use decisions. Site impact traffic analysis is a formalized process that attempts to quantify the need for transportation improvements...

 

 

 

 

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