Beam on elastic foundation with longitudinal changes : (solution via SBRA method)

Abstract

This paper is focused on the solution of simple beam continually supported by elastic (Winkler's) foundation. The foundation contains possible longitudinal changes of stiffness, which can be caused by material of foundation. For the calculation of displacements and bending stresses are derived and applied some analytical procedures (approximate solution in the form of polynomial function) and probabilistic approaches (SBRA - Simulation-Based Reliability Assessment method, Monte Carlo Simulation Method, AntHill software). Probabilistic approach includes influences of real variability of load, shape and material of the beam, and also real variability of modulus of the foundation. Probabilistic approach is used for the reliability expertise of the beam and calculation of safety. Probabilistic expertise of the beam describes better the reality than the clasical deterministic expertise.