Reliability-Based Partial Factors Considering Spatial Variability of Strength Parameters

The stability of six regional dyke cross-sections in the Netherlands was re-assessed using the random finite element method (RFEM), which explicitly accounts for the spatial variability of strength parameters. The RFEM assessments of the cross-sections were shown to result in significantly narrower response distributions than those obtained...

Reliability-based calibration of design code formulas: Application to shear resistance formulas for reinforced concrete members without shear reinforcement

This paper presents a reliability-based calibration method for design code formulas. The method is demonstrated on the shear design formulas in Eurocode 2 and fib Model Code 2010 (MC2010). We found that the partial factor (Formula presented.) in the current Eurocode 2 is about 20% lower than the optimal value and, thus, provides an...

Finite element-based reliability assessment of quay walls

While reliability methods have already been widely adopted in civil engineering, the efficiency and robustness of finite element-based reliability assessments of quay walls are still fairly low. In this paper, the reliability indices of structural and geotechnical failure modes of two real-life quay walls are determined by coupling...

Assessment of design mechanical parameters and partial safety factors for Wire-and-Arc Additive Manufactured stainless steel

Early investigations suggest that the use of Additive Manufacturing (AM) technologies for construction has the potential to decrease labor costs, reduce material waste, and create customized complex geometries that are difficult to be manufactured using conventional construction techniques. Nevertheless, the full exploitation of AM...

The history of safety factors for Dutch regional dykes

Regular dyke assessment is part of reducing the risk of flooding in the Netherlands. 18 000 km of dykes are assessed at regular intervals, of which 14 000 km are classified as regional dykes and their main aim is to defend polders from inundating. The methods of assessing regional dykes are strongly inter-twined with the methods of assessing...

The History of Safety Factors for Dutch Regional Dykes

Regular dyke assessment is part of reducing the risk of flooding in the Netherlands. 18 000 km of dykes are assessed at regular intervals, of which 14 000 km are classified as regional dykes and their main aim is to defend polders from inundating. The methods of assessing regional dykes are strongly inter-twined with the methods of assessing...

Calibration of Partial Factors for Basal Reinforced Piled Embankments

In the Netherlands, the design guideline for basal reinforced piled embankments has been revised (CUR226:2015) adopting a new analytical design model (The Concentric Arches (CA) model, Van Eekelen et al., 2013; 2015). The CA model provides geosynthetic reinforcement (GR) strains which were compared with laboratory and in situ measurements (Van...

Calibration of partial factors in the safety assessment of existing concrete slab bridges for shear failure

The assessment of the structural safety of existing bridges and viaducts becomes increasingly important in many countries due to the age of the structures and an increase in traffic loads. Many structures need to be reassessed in order to find out whether the safety requirements are met. Most existing standards, however, are developed for the...

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...