Dependability of Complex Structural Systems

Franco Bontempi, Καθηγητής, Πανεπιστήμιο Sapienza, Ρώμη.

Περίληψη:The conception and the design of a complex structural system is the result of a series of strategic interactions and of multi-disciplinary cooperation. Moreover, in such systems, several sources of uncertainties are present that have to be accounted in the design process: uncertainties in the mechanical and geometrical properties, in the material constitutive equations and structural response, in the human reasoning, etc. This presentation focuses on the concept of dependability and the consequent methodology. Dependability is concisely defined as the grade of confidence on the safety and on the performance of a system. This is a qualitative definition that comprehensively accounts for several properties, which, even though interconnected, can be examined separately. Adapting the conceptual organization scheme conceived for the electronic and systems engineering field in the structural engineering field, dependability can be illustrated by dividing it in three different conceptual groups. The first group deals with the properties that a dependable structure should possess commonly referred as dependability attributes. The second group concerns the external or internal threats that can harm the dependability level of the structure. Finally, the third group includes the dependability means, i.e. the strategies and methods that can be followed in order to achieve and maintain a dependable system. In all cases, applications to structural examples are illustrated.