Non Deterministic Approaches

 

James L. Beck^*, Gerhart I. Schuëller^† AND Héctor A. Jensen^#

Robustness in the prediction of structural response is an essential requirement of structural analysis for quality assurance. Errors in predictions can arise from many possible sources, such as uncertainty and variability in the structural boundary conditions, loads and material properties, and incomplete model capabilities. During design and operation, the acceptable, or desired, structural performance is usually defined in terms of specified response quantities not exceeding certain limits, such as interstory drift limits or floor acceleration limits. To assess the structural performance, it is important that robust predictions are made that treat all the uncertainties, from modelling future loads to modelling the structural behaviour. This leads naturally to the concept of robust reliability which quantifies the confidence that the analyst has that the design, when constructed, will meet the design specifications. Maximization of the robust reliability could be used, for example, to search for an optimal robust design among a feasible set of designs.

The Ninth International Conference on Computational Structures Technology
2-5 September 2008, Athens, Greece
Conference website: http://www.civil-comp.com/conf/cst2008.htm

The conference is concerned with the application of the latest computational technology to structural mechanics and engineering. Computational Technology encompasses both the latest hardware and software developments as well as algorithmic and theoretical developments.

The conference is concerned with both theoretical, mathematical and scientific developments as well as applications of established technology to new domains. The word Structures is interpreted in its widest sense.

The conference runs concurrently with the Sixth International Conference on Engineering Computational Technology. Participants may attend sessions from either conference.

Themes

Course on "Risk Analysis and Structural Reliability"

26-28 November 2007, Paris, France

http://www.asranet.com/ 

The course aims to provide participants with an understanding of the fundamental elements of risk analysis and structural reliability. It will also introduce the concepts of uncertainty modelling in load and strength applications. Practical applications for the safety assessment of engineering structures, considering the key techniques involved, will be highlighted. Emphasis will be on the use of reliability engineering methods in offshore and marine structures.

The syllabus will include: basic elements of the safety case concept, hazard identification techniques, risk assessment, risk reduction, safety management systems, uncertainties in load and strength predictions, structural reliability and the goal-setting approach to safety. The course is intended for practising engineers and research scientists who need to understand the concepts behind risk analysis and structural reliability, to interact with experts in safety management or to begin to undertake a more extensive study of the subject.

Who Should Attend