  This work proposes a novel theoretical framework of robust limit analysis
i.e. the computation of limit loads of structures in presence of uncertainties
using limit analysis and robust optimization theories. We first derive generic
robust limit analysis formulations in the case of uncertain material strength
properties. We discuss various ways of modeling uncertain strength properties
and introduce the notion of robust strength criteria. We formulate static and
adjustable robust counterparts of the corresponding uncertain limit analysis
problems. Depending on the chosen strength uncertainty model, we also discuss
tractable reformulations or approximations which can be implemented numerically
using conic programming solvers. Building upon these results, we also derive
robust limit analysis formulations in presence of loading uncertainties.
Finally, various applications illustrate the versatility of the proposed
framework including the derivation of a robust Mohr-Coulomb criterion with
uncertain cohesion and friction angle, the computation of limit load of a
structure subject to the partial loss of some components, or the limit load of
a truss structure under multiple load uncertainties.
