Safety and the Probability of Structural Failure

Abstract

Applied loads are examined as are the probabilities of unserviceability and of failure. It is shown that these two items are equally as important as the stress analysis. Only from a complete structural analysis can rational estimates of the safety factors be obtained. The concepts of unserviceability and of failure are defined, and procedures are outlined for the numerical evaluation of factors of safety. These factors are based on the expected variation of loadings and of strength properties of the structural materials, together with the economic aspects involved.