Lecture 6

Question 1

22. What is the definition of structural reliability, in the context of the structural Eurocodes

Answer 1

• It is the probability that a structure will not attain a specified limit state during a specified period. The probability that a structure will fail with the material used
• Structural reliability, as defined in the context of the structural Eurocodes, refers to the ability of a structure to perform its intended function without failure or excessive deformation over its design lifetime
• Structural reliability takes into account factors like material properties, design standards, construction methods, and the environment in which the structure is situated. It involves assessing the probability of failure and ensuring that the risk of failure is acceptably low according to established safety criteria and standards outlined in the Eurocodes.

Question 2

23. In the limit state formulation, giving us the partial factor format, what variable is used to have a definition of safety for structural reliability, and is a lower or a higher value of this variable needed for safety to be higher

Answer 2

Pf which is the probability of failure. It is defined as the standard deviations below the mean. The lower the value, the safer the structure is.

Question 3

25. What very important root cause for structural failure is NOT considered in partial factor design, and so what does this say about our likely knowledge of the frequency of failure when using the Eurocode suite to design structures

Answer 3

• Actual failures depend upon human error, which is not considered in partial factor design b. this does not provide an indication of the actual frequency of failure.