Reliability of Structures

TLDR: This book discusses the concepts of limit states and limit state functions, and presents methodologies for calculating reliability indices and calibrating partial safety factors, and supplies information on the probability distributions and parameters used to characterize both applied loads and member resistances.

Abstract: This book enables both students and practicing engineers to appreciate how to value and handle reliability as an important dimension of structural design. The book discusses the concepts of limit states and limit state functions, and presents methodologies for calculating reliability indices and calibrating partial safety factors. It also supplies information on the probability distributions and parameters used to characterize both applied loads and member resistances. This book contains more discussions of United States (US) and international codes and the issues underlying their development. There is a significant discussion on Monte Carlo simulation. The books' emphasis is on the practical applications of structural reliability theory rather than the theory itself. Consequently, probability theory is treated as a tool, and enough is given to show the novice reader how to calculate reliability. Some background in structural engineering and structural mechanics is assumed.