The objective of this research was to develop reliability-based design methods for reinforced protective concrete structures. The analysis and design methods in the Air Force Protective Construction Design Manual (PCDM) provided the nominal (deterministic) methods that were used to perform probabilistic response analyses and the reliability assessments. One of the key objectives of this effort was to develop simplified rehability-based design methods, in the form of reliability-based design factors (RBDFs), that can be used by designers who are unfamiliar with probabilistic methods. Research was conducted in five fundamental areas: (1) airblast and aboveground structure response; (2) groundshock and belowground structure response; (3) fragmentation effects; (4) projectile penetration; (5) protective structure systems reliability. In each of the areas, emphasis was on reinforced concrete structures; however, the load uncertainty analyses are applicable to structures of any materials. In s instances we found significant biases in the PCDM models. In those cases where we found significant biases that could not be corrected without changes to the fundamental approach, RBDFs were not developed. Over twenty tables of RBDFs were developed for use with the PCDM procedures. Conventional Weapon Effects, Fragmentation, Airblast, Groundshock, Penetration, Reliability.

Increasing demand on improving the resiliency of modern structures and infrastructure requires ever more critical and complex designs. Therefore, the need for accurate and efficient approaches to assess uncertainties in loads, geometry, material properties, manufacturing processes, and operational environments has increased significantly. Reliability-based techniques help develop more accurate initial guidance for robust design and help to identify the sources of significant uncertainty in structural systems. Reliability-Based Analysis and Design of Structures and Infrastructure presents an overview of the methods of classical reliability analysis and design most associated with structural reliability. It also introduces more modern methods and advancements, and emphasizes the most useful methods and techniques used in reliability and risk studies, while elaborating their practical applications and limitations rather than detailed derivations. Features: Provides a practical and comprehensive overview of reliability and risk analysis and design techniques. Introduces resilient and smart structures/infrastructure that will lead to more reliable and sustainable societies. Considers loss elimination, risk management and life-cycle asset management as related to infrastructure projects. Introduces probability theory, statistical methods, and reliability analysis methods. Reliability-Based Analysis and Design of Structures and Infrastructure is suitable for researchers and practicing engineers, as well as upper-level students taking related courses in structural reliability analysis and design.

Authored by the most active scholars in their respective areas, this volume covers the most recent developments, both theoretical and applicative, in multi-disciplinary reliability evaluation areas, many of which are cutting-edge and not discussed elsewhere in book form.The broad coverage includes the latest thoughts on design for low probability and high consequence events like the failure of the World Trade Center as well as risk acceptability based on the Life Quality Index. Other chapters discuss the development of the performance-based design concept, and the generally overlooked area of the reliability evaluation of bridges and offshore structures. Since the finite element method is routinely used for structural analyses, emphasis is put on discussing reliability evaluation using finite elements including consideration of the mesh-free finite element method. Corrosion and fatigue reliability evaluation techniques are other urgent issues that are dealt with in depth. Risk-based optimization using lifecycle cost analysis is presented. Among the many additional included topics, a chapter is devoted to health assessment of existing structures, currently one of the most active research areas.

Interest in the topic of structural reliability and optimal design has been rapidly growing in recent years. Besides, the field of numerical methods and artificial intelligence is experiencing a surge of new methods and the refinement of existing ones to expand opportunities to apply robust formulations to complex engineering problems. Today, more than ever, the field is receiving fresh ideas on how to face the challenges of finding a balance between cost and benefits that may lead towards the optimal design of systems. Recently, the probability density evolution method (PDEM) was proposed by Prof. Jie Li as an alternative way to obtain the stochastic and dynamic solution of the safety level of engineering systems under any kind of hazard. This work deals with the application of this powerful method to derive optimal design recommendations for large engineering systems under natural hazards. The three case studies illustrate to engineers and academic specialists how to strike a cost-effective balance in designing such systems.

Reliability analysis for structural design provides an effective and consistent introduction of the theory of structural reliability. The wide involvement of the author in the development of such design standards at various levels results in his ability to introduce advanced concepts in a clear and practical manner. The book consequently not only provides an appreciation for the way in which reliability-based partial factor limit states design procedures are formulated in design standards, but also for ways in which these principles can be applied in design practice, particularly where high demands are placed on structural performance.

Reliability of Structures enables both students and practising engineers to appreciate how to value and handle reliability as an important dimension of structural design. It discusses the concepts of limit states and limit state functions, and presents methodologies for calculating reliability indices and calibrating partial safety factors. It also

Structural engineers devote all their effort to meeting society¿s expectations efficiently. Engineers and scientists work together to develop solutions to structural problems. Given that nothing is absolutely and eternally safe, the goal is to attain an acceptably small probability of failure for a structure. Reliability analysis is part of the science and practice of engineering today, not only with respect to the safety of structures, but also for questions of serviceability and other requirements of technical systems that might be impacted by some probability. The present volume takes a rather broad approach to the safety of structures and related topics. It treats the underlying concepts of risk and safety and introduces the reader to the main concepts and strategies for dealing with hazards. A chapter is devoted to the processing of data into information that is relevant for applying reliability theory. The two main chapters deal with the modelling of structures and with methods of reliability analysis. Another chapter focuses on problems related to establishing target reliabilities, assessing existing structures, and on effective strategies against human error. The Appendix supports the application of the methods proposed and refers readers to a number of related computer programs.

This special volume will be useful for wide range scientific researchers and engineers from area of construction materials and structures.