Second-Order Reliability Method

The Second-Order Reliability Method (SORM) is an extension of FORM that improves failure probability estimates by accounting for the curvature of the limit-state surface at the design point. Introduced by Fiessler, Neumann, and Rackwitz in 1979, SORM provides more accurate approximations for nonlinear failure surfaces while remaining computationally efficient. It has become the standard refinement when FORM accuracy is insufficient.