On the Modeling and Analysis of Robustness of Structures

Authors

Matthias Schubert and Michael H. Faber

Abstract

Robustness is recognized as being a central issue among structural engineers. A risk-based approach for the quantification of robustness was recently proposed in Baker et al., 2008. In the first part of the present paper this approach is briefly outlined. In the second part the risk-based robustness measure is set into the context of structural systems and relevant aspects for its interpretation are discussed and illustrated. The critical issue in robustness considerations in general is the definition of a system including the various aspects of complexity, level of detailing and assessment of consequences; the discussion of these aspects thus form the focal point of the present paper.

Published in/by

Proceedings EM08, Inaugural International Mechanics Institute Conference, Minneapolis, USA, May 18-21, 2008.