From Partial Factors Design to the SBRA Probabilistic Method

Abstract

Two decades ago, a computer revolution made available personal computers to all designers of load carrying structures. Through proposing and gradual improving of the probabilistic method SBRA (Simulation Based Reliability Assessment), significant adjustment of the assessment of structural safety, serviceability and durability is assured. The probabilistic approach and simulation technique have introduced new definitions of loads, achieving a higher precision for their combinations and allowing to consider multicomponent problems. The very essence of the SBRA method consists in repeated calculations of relatively simple equations, where input variables can be either constant or defined by histograms (yield limit, loads, imperfections, etc.). Together with powerful numerical tools such as the Monte Carlo simulation, the SBRA method allows for determining not only the probability of failure of a determined element, but also deformation criteria to meet serviceability requirements, and accumulation of damage such as fatigue or corrosion.