TECHNICAL PAPERS
Apr 1, 1983

Probability of Failure from Abnormal Load

Publication: Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 109, Issue 4

Abstract

Abnormal loads, which usually are not considered in structural design because of their low probability of occurrence, may initiate a catastrophic failure if they occur. A case study shows that the probability of structural failure due to a gas explosion in a residential compartment may exceed probabilities associated with unfavorable combinations of ordinary design loads. Therefore, specific provision in design standards to mitigate the effects of abnormal loads appear warranted.

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References

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Go to Journal of Structural Engineering
Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 109Issue 4April 1983
Pages: 875 - 890

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Published online: Apr 1, 1983
Published in print: Apr 1983

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Authors

Affiliations

Bruce Ellingwood, M. ASCE
Research Struct. Engr., Center for Building Tech., National Bureau of Standards, Washington, D.C. 20234
E. V. Leyendecker
Chf., Earthquake Engr. Group, Center for Building Tech., National Bureau of Standards, Washington, D.C. 20234
James T. P. Yao, F. ASCE
Prof. of Civ. Engrg., Purdue Univ., West Lafayette, Ind. 47907

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