Abstract
The widely used Nataf transformation inherently assumes a normal copula for dependence modeling, which can be inappropriate in some cases. This paper aims to provide a more general isoprobabilistic transformation method for reliability evaluations under incomplete probability information. To this end, the joint probability distribution is represented using the pair-copula decomposition approach, which is highly flexible in dependence modeling. The desired pair-copula parameters are retrieved from the incomplete probability information by a simulation-based method. Finally, based on the reconstructed joint probability distribution, the Rosenblatt's transformation is adopted for the subsequent reliability evaluation. The proposed method is illustrated in a tunnel excavation reliability problem. Several dependence structures characterized by different pair-copulas are investigated to provide insights into the effect of copula selection on reliability results.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1-10 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Structural Safety |
Volume | 69 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Nov 2017 |
Keywords
- Correlated multivariates
- Incomplete probability information
- Pair-copulas
- Reliability
- Rosenblatt's transformation
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Civil and Structural Engineering
- Building and Construction
- Safety, Risk, Reliability and Quality