Practical Approach to Using Uncertainties in Structural Condition Assessment
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Volume 18, Issue 3
Abstract
This paper presents an overview and a recap of basic equations of structural reliability as applied to structural condition assessment. Common sources of uncertainties in structural design parameters are explained, and methods to quantify uncertainties are reviewed and presented. Through two illustrative examples, it is demonstrated that in certain cases, even though an acceptable factor of safety may be obtained, in the presence of uncertainty, there may be a rather undesirable probability of failure associated with the factor of safety. The paper is intended to offer a practical and simple, yet logical, approach in treating uncertainties in structural condition assessment.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Practice Periodical on Structural Design and Construction
Volume 18 • Issue 3 • August 2013
Pages: 155 - 164
Copyright
© 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jun 8, 2012
Accepted: Oct 9, 2012
Published online: Oct 11, 2012
Published in print: Aug 1, 2013
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