Reliability Index Versus Safety Factor of Structures

摘要

In measuring structural safety, the reliability index concept is, by far, moreexplicit than the usual safety factor. The probabilistic reliability index incorporates uncertainty of member load and capacity into a comprehensive model, while the deterministic safety factor is normally the ratio of the two. The result, B, provides the engineer with a probability of failure, independent of the design criteria. The probabilistic method is especially useful in determining reliability under overload conditions; it also provides a transition between the Allowable Stress Design (A SD) mentality and the Load Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) process. (MM).