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...

Reliability analysis of Submerged Floating Tunnels

A submerged floating tunnel (SFT) can be a promising solution for crossing a deep or wide waterway. This tunnel concept will consist of an immersed tube, either attached with anchor cables to the seabed or attached to pontoons floating on the water surface. The reliability of the tether-stabilized SFT is assessed in this research. A suitable...

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...

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...

Relationship Between Construction Costs and Reliability of Quay Walls

Structures have to meet a particular level of safety. Therefore, in the European design codes (Eurocodes), three reliability classes (RC) are introduced based on the potential consequence of failure of the structure. For each of the RC a maximum allowable probability of failure is introduced, corresponding to a reliability index. In recent...

Reliability based Assessment of Quay Walls

Uncertainties in the soil parameters play a major role in the design of quay walls. In the current design approach, partial factors are prescribed to account for uncertainties in the soil, as well as for other types of uncertainties. This semi-probabilistic (level I) design approach needs to result in a reliable design for a range of quay...

Fatigue Load Model Safety: Verifying Reliability for Reinforced Concrete Railway Structures

It was unclear what level of reliability was provided by appliance of the Eurocode load models for fatigue due to train loads, meaning that it might be insufficient. Therefore, it was investigated what the provided reliability is, compared to what is should be. Within this report, the focus is solely on fatigue induced by bending moments on...

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...

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...

Comparison of Methods for Reliability Calibration of Partial Resistance Factors for Pile Foundations

Uncertainties are a hall mark of engineering design leading to the development of risk and reliability informed basis for decision making. Accordingly three different but related levels of approach, namely a risk based, a reliability based and a semi-probabilistic approach have been proposed in ISO 2394. However, for code development the semi...

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...

Multifunctional Flood Defences: Reliability Analysis of a Structure Inside the Dike

Multifunctional use of the flood defences is as old as the flood defences themselves. Historically infrastructure, housing and livestock are located on the flood defences. Over the years, the cities along the rivers became bigger and bigger. With the still increasing demand for spatial development it is inevitable to also start combining other...

Berthing loads in structural design: Validation of partial factors

Structural design of these marine facilities is not implicitly covered in EN1990 (European Norm), and the types of loads and load combinations that are to be considered are different from those for buildings and bridges, since they concern operational loadings from vessels berthing and mooring, and also loads from vessels moored acting...

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...