Gauging the Reliability of Structural Design for Buildings and Infrastructures from Malaysian Engineers’ Viewpoint

Abstract

From a structural design engineer's viewpoint, the focus of design is to ensure that the finished product, i.e. building or infrastructure can perform to the satisfaction of the client, in terms of strength, robustness and rigidity to ensure reliability in strength and serviceability. And if both of these are met, then the designed structure is considered safe and serviceable. But the question would arise on its reliability in structural design and construction. Insofar as the finished structure is concerned, four areas of uncertainty are questionable. They are:•Properties of materials used,•Expected loadings to be exerted, nature and magnitude-wise,•Workmanship or skills in implementation, and•Structural responses due to loading exertedThis paper is aimed at utilizing statistical results obtained from tests undertaken on structural specimens to study the impact on reliability of existing structures in Malaysia. The data used is available from private and certified testing agencies and Government Department of Meteorology. Statistical analysis is carried out to gauge how widespread are the various test results obtained (for example, concrete cube strengths). And from thereon, the authors would attempt to extrapolate the corresponding effect on the four areas of uncertainty as mentioned above. From this study, it is hoped that the reliability of designed structures can be quantified in a manner which can be used to gauge the expected performance of the designed structure.