PROOF-LOAD FACTORS AND RELIABILITY

For a complete implementation of second moment reliability concepts in structural design codes, rules must be established for proof-loading tests on the basis of a safety index or of proof-load factors derived therefrom. The safety index after test is defined conveniently (as a distance in an associated Gaussian probability space) as an extended definition of the Hasofer-Lind safety index. Limitations of this safety index in the context of proof-load tests are considered. Two categories are studied: "Active" proof-load tests, in which the purpose is to determine the optimal design parameter given a successful test on a particular structure prior to service; and "passive" tests, leading to reliability statements about a structure during or prior to service. Examples show how to calculate the proof-load factors. Current building standards provisions on proof-load tests are examined from the reliability point of view. /Author/

• Corporate Authors:

  American Society of Civil Engineers

  345 East 47th Street
  New York, NY  United States  10017-2398
• Authors:
  • Fujino, Y
  • Lind, N C
• Publication Date: 1977-4

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 853-870
• Serial:
  • Journal of the Structural Division
  • Volume: 103
  • Issue Number: ST4
  • Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bending moments; Bridge design; Bridges; Building codes; Load tests; Loads; Reliability; Safety; Standards; Structural design
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Highways; Law; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00165348
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: ASCE 12885 Proceeding
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Mar 14 1978 12:00AM