Browsing by Author "Retief, Johannes Verster"

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    Contributions to the implementation of the principles of reliability to the standardized basis of structural design
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2015-12) Retief, Johannes Verster; Van Zijl, Gideon P. A. G.; Viljoen, Celeste; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Engineering. Dept. of Civil Engineering.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Implementation of the principles of structural reliability widely impacted on recent improvements in structural performance. Improvements in the rational basis for the design of structures in turn have a bearing on the ability of structural engineers to contribute to the safety, functionality and economy of structures to accommodate the activities and infrastructure serving society. This dissertation presents a number of investigations that can broadly be classified to explore and advance the implementation of reliability concepts and procedures in standardized structural design. The context of the investigations is provided by various activities on the development of revised or new South African standards for structural design, utilising international standards as reference base. The principles of reliability provide the common basis for the harmonization of national and international standards, unification between various standards which are common to specific structures and reliability assessment for classes of design variables and performance functions. Specific investigations considered the general basis of structural design required for a suite of standards; the reliability modelling of actions and their combinations, including wind loading, imposed roof loads and crane induced loads; structural resistance, including structural concrete shear and cracking performance, the reliability performance of pile foundations. Generalisation of the detailed investigations consists of the identification of the attributes of structural design standards that could serve as the basis for meta-standard drivers for standards development and their management. A common theme in many investigations is the consideration of model uncertainty and the need for its proper quantification for use in reliability assessment. Accordingly generalisation consists of the compilation of a classification scheme for classes of model uncertainty and systematic procedures for the investigation and implementation of model uncertainty. The scheme can also be used to provide a basis for planning of research activities on which model development can be based. The investigations confirm the potential for value to be added at the interface between reliability theory and design practice, despite the maturity of the field. Examples presented in the dissertation include detailed investigations on design variables such as South African strong wind characteristics and wind load reliability models, extensive investigations on concrete shear resistance models and their uncertainties, and pile foundation reliability calibration. General investigations on the reliability basis of design contributed to demonstrate the achievement of harmonisation between the new South African Loading Code SANS 10160:2010 and Eurocode to the extent that the South African standard serves as an example of the application of Eurocode beyond Europe. A common basis also serves to unify national standards for the design of various structural materials ranging from steel to geotechnical materials, having widely diverse origins ranging from adoption to local development. Finally the investigations reveal both remaining topics begging further investigation and a methodology for prioritisation and integrating the outcomes into the general reliability framework.