Structural safety and reliability
Summary
The course introduces key concepts of structural safety and reliability, covering probability fundamentals, verification methods, structural actions, and time-dependent effects. Case studies link theoretical principles to reliable civil engineering design.
Content
Introduction to structural safety and reliability (Definitions, historical failures, risk, role of civil engineer). Fundamentals of probability (Distributions, statistical parameters and estimation, common distributions, correlations). Principles of structural verification (Deterministic vs probabilistic approaches, limit states, reliability index, uncertainties, new vs existing structures). Actions on structures (Permanent vs variable actions, climatic and accidental actions, natural hazards, combinations). Time-Dependent Reliability (Deterioration, corrosion, fatigue, creep, preventive measures, maintenance planning). Applications and case studies.
Keywords
Structural Safety. Reliability. Probability. Verification. Durability
Learning Prerequisites
Recommended courses
Mécanique des structures, Matériaux
Important concepts to start the course
Fundamental concepts of physics and statics
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, the student must be able to:
- Analyze the concepts of hazard and safety, and develop a systematic approach to managing risk situations.
- Apply verification principles for the design of structural elements.
- Formulate the modeling of actions (loads) and understand their typical magnitudes.
- Represent the random nature of parameters.
- Specify the time-dependent aspect of durability and the life cycle of structures.
Transversal skills
- Take responsibility for environmental impacts of her/ his actions and decisions.
- Set objectives and design an action plan to reach those objectives.
- Take account of the social and human dimensions of the engineering profession.
- Respect relevant legal guidelines and ethical codes for the profession.
Teaching methods
Ex cathedra, exercises
Expected student activities
Understanding of the topics, ability to solve exercises
Assessment methods
Written final exam
Supervision
| Office hours | No |
| Assistant.e.s | Yes |
| Forum | Yes |
Prerequisite for
Structures en béton, Structures en métal, Dimensionnement des structures en bois, Ouvrages géotechniques, Structuresexistantes I et II, Ponts en métal et en béton, Analyse de risques, Projets de construction
In the programs
- Semester: Fall
- Exam form: Written (winter session)
- Subject examined: Structural safety and reliability
- Courses: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: mandatory