Practical Approach to Using Uncertainties in Structural Condition Assessment

Abstract

This paper presents an overview and a recap of basic equations of structural reliability as applied to structural condition assessment. Common sources of uncertainties in structural design parameters are explained, and methods to quantify uncertainties are reviewed and presented. Through two illustrative examples, it is demonstrated that in certain cases, even though an acceptable factor of safety may be obtained, in the presence of uncertainty, there may be a rather undesirable probability of failure associated with the factor of safety. The paper is intended to offer a practical and simple, yet logical, approach in treating uncertainties in structural condition assessment.