| 1. |
- Björnsson, Ivar, et al.
(author)
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Suitable degree of crudeness in engineering practice
- 2019
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In: IABSE Symposium, Guimaraes 2019. - : International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering (IABSE). - 9783857481635 ; , s. 1592-1599
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Practicing structural engineers may be familiar with the main principles of structural reliability but may not necessarily be experts in using such methods. This may lead to a lack in understanding the effect of uncertainties on the ensuing structural safety and to sub-optimization of more traditional structural engineering aspects. The aim of the current paper is to highlight the importance of considering risks and uncertainties in design and to improve the awareness of practicing engineers to such considerations. The importance of a consistent treatment of uncertainties in structural engineering is brought to attention with focus on the modelling approaches which often underlie decisions. Different aspects discussed are: decision making in light of uncertainty, principles of consistent crudeness and the influence of engineering performance in practice on the safety of structures. A simplified model, considering strategies for improving engineering models, is considered and examples, based on simplified decision models, are also provided.
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| 2. |
- Nasr, Amro, et al.
(author)
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A qualitative prioritization of the risks imposed on bridges due to climate change
- 2019
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In: IABSE Symposium, Guimaraes 2019. - : International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering (IABSE). - 9783857481635 ; , s. 80-87
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Climate change and its impacts on infrastructures may seriously affect the functionality of societies. Despite the alarming potential consequences climate change pose, not enough effort has been directed towards averting these impacts or managing them in some other way (e.g. mitigation, reduction, etc.). Well-functioning infrastructure networks play a key role in societies’ resilience and their ability to cope with climate-induced hazards. Therefore, ensuring the efficient performance of infrastructure networks, even during climate related emergencies, is central to the resilience of societies in the face of climate change. At the heart of a resilient transportation infrastructure network lays robust bridge structures. This paper builds on previous work where the potential risks from climate change on bridges were surveyed. Here, a qualitative risk prioritization scheme for bridges to rank these risks is presented. The aim of this work is hence to provide a tool for determining which of these risks are more worthy of closer investigation. The suggested framework is based on the basic elements of risk; i.e. hazard, exposure, vulnerability, and consequences. Several indices reflecting these four components and their different characteristics are introduced. Subsequently, a method for ranking the different risks based on these indices is presented. This framework can be used to optimize investments in adapting bridges to climate change.
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| 3. |
- Stepinac, M., et al.
(author)
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Decision analysis and scenarios for the assessment of existing timber structures
- 2019
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In: IABSE Symposium, Guimaraes 2019. - : International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering (IABSE). - 9783857481635 ; , s. 479-486
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Condition assessment of existing timber structures is typically followed by a decision about intervention options, and consequently comparing various possible scenarios. These decisions are based on the updated knowledge obtained through the assessment. Condition assessments, however, can be done in multiple ways, e.g. basic visual assessment of a structure, assessment with various destructive, non-destructive and semi-destructive testing methods, interpretation of a data from structural health monitoring, various levels of structural modelling and safety verification formats. The present paper discusses how pre-posterior decision analysis can guide decisions concerning the condition assessment of timber structures by selecting appropriate assessment procedures and subsequent maintenance actions.
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