35450 - Structural Safety

Learning outcomes

The student will be acquainted with the different methods available at the time for evaluation of the safety and risk associated with civil structures.

The objective of these methods being the evaluation of the probability of violation of a limit state function (such as collapse). The failure probability will be obtained from the various sources of uncertainty/randomness associated with: loadings, material properties, structural geometry, boundary conditions, as well as structural models and analysis techniques.

 The course will also cover example of structurally sound systems as well of major structural collapse/failures both with reference to static and seismic loadings.

The reasons behind the selection of the safety factors used in common Codes will also be covered.

Course contents

The student will be acquainted with the different methods available at the time for evaluation of the safety and risk associated with civil structures.The objective of these methods being the evaluation of the probability of violation of a limit state function (such as collapse). The failure probability will be obtained from the various sources of uncertainty/randomness associated with: loadings, material properties, structural geometry, boundary conditions, as well as structural models and analysis techniques. The course will also cover example of structurally sound systems as well of major structural collapse/failures both with reference to static and seismic loadings. The reasons behind the selection of the safety factors used in common Codes will also be covered.

• Review of probability theory
• Structural Component reliability analysis
• Analysis of uncertainties  - Bayesian Reliability analysis
• Structural Systems Reliability analysis
• Simulation methods
• Probabilistic codified Design
• Examples of "Robust" structural design
• Examples of structural failures.

Readings/Bibliography

Recommended text:

Melchers. "Structural Reliability Analysis and Prediction", Second Editio. John Wiley, 1999. 

References:

Augusti, Baratta, Casciati. "Probabilistic Methods in Structural Engineering". Prentice Hall, 1984.

Ang, Tang. "Probabilistic Concepts in engineering planning and design". Vol I. Chapman Hall, 1975.

Ang, Tang. "Probabilistic Concepts in engineering planning and design". Vol II. Chapman Hall, 1984.

Benjamin, Cornell. "Probability, Statistics and Decision for Civil Engineers" McGraw Hill, 1970

Teaching methods

Teaching classes, development of applicative examples, exercises.

Assessment methods

Final exam (written + oral)

Teaching tools

Handouts, development of applicative examples, power point presentations, applicative software.

Links to further information

http://www.tdc.ing.unibo.it/personale/Trombetti/index.htm

Office hours

See the website of Tomaso Trombetti