Probabilistic analysis of the Stussi-Kollbrunner paradox

In most text books on Plasticity Theory a reference is made to the famous tests performed by Stiissi and Kollbrunner in 1935. The test object was a continuous beam on four supports, loaded by a concentrated point load halfway the central span. According to a straight forward application of the theory of plasticity the load carrying capacity of...

Safety philosophy for existing structures and partial factors for traffic loads on bridges

Evaluating and upgrading existing structures becomes more and more important. For a large part of the existing infrastructure and buildings the design life has been reached or will be reached in the near future. These structures need to be reassessed in order to find out whether the safety requirements are met. Not only for new structures but...