Experimental Validation of a Probabilistic Fracture Mechanics Model
A method is developed for validating a probabilistic fracture analysis code (PROFRANC). The method is based on classical statistical techniques and experimental data. It is shown that...
On a Procedure to Estimate the Reliability of Mechanical Components
A procedure, based on the response surface concept is suggested to estimate the failure probability of mechanical components and structures under static as well as dynamic loading conditions....
A Non-Gaussian Fatigue Model for Offshore Structures
Fatigue damage accumulation in members of offshore structures can be affected by various aspects of the non-Gaussian response stress time history induced by the nonlinear/non-Gaussian...
Construction Loads on Floors: Results of a Survey
A survey of post-shorting construction loads on floors of multi-storey buildings is described. The estimated parameters of a probabilistic model of the peak (transient) loads are reported....
Floor Live Load Models and Pattern Load Effects
Probabilistic models of sustained live loads and equivalent uniformly distributed loads are discussed with regard to pattern load effects. A simple equivalent pattern load is identified...
Reliability-Based Specification of Design Load-Effect for Penetrating Fragments and Debris
This paper presents the derivation and application of a simplified reliability-based approach for selecting design fragments/debris particles for use in protective design. Using this approach,...
Time-Variant System Reliability Analysis Using Response Surface Methodology and Fast Integration
An approximate method is presented to solve the structural reliability problem of complex structural systems subjected to time-variant loads where the parameters of the structural system...
First-Excursion Probability of Uncertain Structures
The first-order reliability method (FORM) is used to estimate the first-excursion probability of uncertain structures subjected to deterministic dynamic loads. An algorithm is developed...
Markov Decision Processes in Structural Optimization
Initial structural design and its associated inspection and maintenance policies are modelled as a Markov Decision Process. This approach attempts to realistically capture the dynamics...
Structural System Design under Uncertainty Via Pareto Optimization
Structural systems are generally designed under safety, serviceability and economy requirements. The single objective optimal design problem of both deterministic and nondeterministic...
Critical Buckling Load Statistics of an Uncertain Column
The objective of this paper is to examine the statistics of the buckling load of a column with uncertain material properties. The elastic modulus is assumed to be a random process that...
Bridge Overloading Criteria
Considerable concern is being expressed by the public and government agencies over the deteriorating state of the country's infrastructure. At the same time, there is a general feedling...
A Multiple Presence Load Model for Bridges
This paper utilises weigh-in-motion data to simulate multi-lane traffic crossing short span multiple-lane bridges. In this manner the reduction factors for a multiple lane bridge are derived....
On the Fatigue Loading for Local Components
Fatigue provisions in the North American Codes for design of highway bridges may not be applicable to the design of local components which are subjected to high axle overloads and dynamic...
Live Load Models Based on WIM Data
The objective of the paper is to present the results of weigh-in-motion (WIM) measurements carried out in Michigan. Selected bridges were instrumented and truck weights and axle configurations...
Environmental Impacts of Agricultural Drainage
Research has shown that improved drainage increases peak runoff rates and pollutant loads compared to natural conditions. However improved drainage on agricultural lands may reduce outflow...
Optimizing Economic Returns in Drainage Design
Soil wetness is a limitation to high agricultural productivity in Northern New York (NNY) where some 325,000 ha of cropland require drainage treatment. Drainage is needed for trafficability...
Economical and Statistical Based On-Farm Irrigation Scheduling
Most irrigation scheduling techniques are not based upon the statistics of the irrigations or economics of irrigated crop production. Traditional irrigation scheduling is based upon average...
Irrigation Project Modernization
Project modernization for sustainable irrigation requires a design and operation plan which will provide water deliveries with flexibility and reliability at each level within the system....
Technology Transfer for Projects in South America
Engineering services were provided for three projects in South America. One project was located in the Pampa Region of Argentina and two others in northern Brazil. The projects were: 1)...
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