An efficient approach for dynamic-reliability-based topology optimization of braced frame structures with probability density evolution method

•A novel method for dynamic-reliability-based topology optimization is proposed.•An important representative point sieving strategy is inserted into the PDEM.•A high-efficient approach for sensitivity of the first-passage probability.•Proposed method incorporates the sensitivity of failure probability into SIMP and MMA.•Effectiveness is validated by the design optimization of a braced frame structure.