Methods of Structural Safety

by H. O. Madsen, S. Krenk, N. C. Lind

Overview

Uncertainties about analytical models, fluctuations in loads, and variability of material properties contribute to the small but real probability of structure failures. This advanced engineering text describes methods developed to deal with stochastic aspects of structural behavior, providing a framework for evaluating, comparing, and combining stochastic effects.
Starting with the general problem of consistent evaluation of the reliability of structures, the text proceeds to examination of the second-moment reliability index methods that describe failure in terms of one or more limit states. It presents first-order reliability methods for computation of failure probabilities for individual limit states and for systems; and it illustrates identification of the design parameters most affecting reliability. Additional subjects include a self-contained presentation of extreme-value theory and stochastic processes; stationary, evolutionary, and nonlinear aspects of stochastic response of structures; a stochastic approach to material fatigue damage and crack propagation; and stochastic models for several natural and manufactured loads.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780486445977
Publisher:	Dover Publications
Publication date:	02/24/2006
Series:	Dover Civil and Mechanical Engineering Series
Pages:	416
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.25(h) x (d)

Table of Contents

Preface
1. Introduction
1.1 Historical Background
1.2 The Problem of Structural Safety
1.3 Structural Design
1.4 Summary
References
2. Reliability Methods
2.1 Research Models and Technical Models
2.2 Definition and Idealization of the Structural System
2.3 Error Classification
2.4 Idealization of Loads and Influences
2.5 Human Error
2.6 Model Uncertainty
2.7 Levels of Reliability Methods
2.8 Summary
References
3. Multiple Safety Factor Formats
3.1 Origin and Purpose
3.2 Multiple-Factor Formats
3.3 Characteristic Values
3.4. Calibration
3.5 Summary
References
4. Second-Moment Reliability Index
4.1 Introduction
4.2 The Cornell Reliability Index
4.3 First-Order Second-Moment Reliability Index
4.4 The Hasofer and Lind Reliability Index
4.5 The Generalized Reliability Index
4.6 Summary
References
5. Level III Reliability Methods and System Reliability
5.1 Calculation of Failure Probabilities
5.2 The Principle of Normal Tail Approximation
5.3 Classification of Systems: Structure Functions
5.4 Reliability of Series Systems
5.5 Reliability of Nonseries Systems
5.6 Sensitivity Measures
5.7 Summary
References
6. Calibration
6.1 The Process of Calibration
6.2 Estimation of Distribution Parameters
6.3 Selection of Characteristic Strength Level
6.4 Control of Characteristic Strength
6.5 Summary
References
7. Extreme-Value Distributions and Stochastic Processes
7.1 Two Distribution-Free Results
7.2 Extreme-Value Distributions
7.3 Discrete Processes
7.4 The Normal Process
7.5 Summary
References
8. Stochastic Response of Structures
8.1 Stationary Response
8.2 Nonstationary Response
8.3 White Noise Approximation
8.4 Nonlinear Effects
8.5 Summary
References
9. Stochastic Models for Material Strength
9.1 Classical Strength Models
9.2 Fatigue
9.3 Stochastic Modeling of Fatigue Crack Growth
9.4 Bogdanoff's Cumulative Damage Model
9.5 Summary
References
10. Stochastic Models for Loads
10.1 Gust Wind Loads
10.2 Wave Loads
10.3 Earthquake Loads
10.4 Traffic Load Modeling
10.5 Live Load Modeling
10.6 Theory of Stochastic Load Combination
10.7 Summary
References
Bibliography
Index
Errata