Research Article
Apr 1981
Logical Analysis of Structural Failure
Publication: Journal of the Engineering Mechanics Division
Volume 107, Issue 2
Abstract
In engineering only the product, the hardware, is a physical system; the system which designs it, produces it and uses it is human and therefore complex and vulnerable. Human error of one form or another is a major cause of failures. One way of attempting to reduce this is to find ways of distilling conclusions from past performance by a logical analysis of available information. This analysis may then be stored as a computer data structure and used as a basis for predictions regarding future projects. The vehicle for this process, the handling of rather imprecise information, is fuzzy logic. A logical hierarchy of simple deductions has been set up to represent the three main influences on structural safety—human error, random hazards as well as the system uncertainty of reliability theory. The hierarchy is used to obtain measures of safety for two famous bridge failures.
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Published In
Journal of the Engineering Mechanics Division
Volume 107 • Issue 2 • April 1981
Pages: 355 - 365
Copyright
© 1981 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Published in print: Apr 1981
Published online: Feb 3, 2021
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Authors
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David I. Blockley
Lect., Dept. of Civ. Engrg., Univ. of Bristol, Queens Building, Univ. Walk, BS8 1TR England
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ASCE Library Cards let you download journal articles, proceedings papers, and available book chapters across the entire ASCE Library platform. ASCE Library Cards remain active for 24 months or until all downloads are used. Note: This content will be debited as one download at time of checkout.
Terms of Use: ASCE Library Cards are for individual, personal use only. Reselling, republishing, or forwarding the materials to libraries or reading rooms is prohibited.
Terms of Use: ASCE Library Cards are for individual, personal use only. Reselling, republishing, or forwarding the materials to libraries or reading rooms is prohibited.