Abstract
Measures that improve durability of a structure usually increase its initial cost. Thus, in order to make a decision about a cost-effective solution life-cycle cost of a structure including cost of structural failure needs to be considered. Due to uncertainties associated with structural properties, loads and environmental conditions the cost of structural failure is a random variable. The paper derives probability distributions of the cost of failure of a single structure and a group of identical structures when single or multiple failures are possible during the service life of a structure. The probability distributions are based on cumulative probabilities of failure of a single structure over its service life. The probability distributions can be employed to evaluate the expected life-cycle cost or the expected utility, which is then used in decision making. An example, which considers the selection of durability specifications for a reinforced concrete structure built on the coast, illustrates the use of the derived probability distributions.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Applications of Statistics and Probability in Civil Engineering |
Subtitle of host publication | Proceedings of the 9th International Conference on Applications of Statistics and Probability in Civil Engineering |
Editors | Armen Der Kiureghian, Samer Madanat, Juan Manuel Pestana-Nascimento |
Place of Publication | Rotterdam |
Publisher | Millpress |
Pages | 757-764 |
Number of pages | 8 |
ISBN (Print) | 9789059660045, 9789059660052 |
Publication status | Published - 2003 |
Event | 9th International Conference on Applications of Statistics and Probability in Civil Engineering - San Francisco, United States Duration: 6 Jul 2003 → 9 Jul 2003 |
Conference
Conference | 9th International Conference on Applications of Statistics and Probability in Civil Engineering |
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Country | United States |
City | San Francisco |
Period | 6/07/03 → 9/07/03 |
Keywords
- design
- utility
- durability
- life-cycle cost
- decision making
- uncertainty