Introduction to Risk and Reliability in Structural Design

The primary purpose of this book is to introduce risk and reliability concepts into structural design. A structure should be designed taking into account safety, reliability, and economy. Reliability is the probability of successful function, and risk is the potential for unwanted negative consequences of an event.

In structural engineering, risk analysis involves the investigation of the probability of rare events. Risk analyses are typically made on the basis of information, which is subject to uncertainty. These uncertainties may be divided into inherent or natural variability.

Objectives of the Book

The objective of a structural design is the assurance of successful performance over the useful life of structures or engineering systems. This book aims to introduce risk and reliability concepts into structural design, covering and reviewing reliability theory and risk analysis to solve structural engineering problems.

The content is organized from basic concepts of uncertainties to more complex concepts. It includes topics such as structural safety analysis, structural reliability under repeated load, and fatigue reliability. Based on the introduction of failure modes and bounds theory, structural system reliability theory is subsequently discussed.

Numerical formulation and examples are provided to enhance the study efficiency of students, engineers, and researchers.

Target Audience and Application

This book is suitable for adoption as a textbook or a reference book in a structural reliability analysis course. Furthermore, it provides a theoretical foundation for a better understanding of structural safety assessment.