Calibrating partial safety factors in line with required reliability levels for concrete structures

Abstract

In the Eurocodes, the notion of reliability is presented and expressed in terms of the target failure probability. The three reliability classes (RC1, RC2 and RC3) are based on assumed consequences of failure and exposure of construction works to potential hazards, their levels of safety and probability of failure are represented by the reliability index β. The normal (most current) situation in the ultimate limit state is associated with RC2 reliability class, which leads to partial safety factors associated to a failure probability of 5 × 10−5 (reliability index β = 3.89) over a 50-year reference period. Certain exceptional structures are associated to very high stakes: because their failure would cause such unacceptable consequences, these may in turn require a lower failure probability (typically ranging from 10−7 to 10−12 per 50 years) during their design working lifespan. For these more restrictive situations (reliability class higher than RC3), this article exemplifies a simplified method for calibrating partial safety factors on materials and actions, as well as model uncertainties, according to Eurocodes. A discussion is offered at the end of this article to consider the combined use of this simplified method with other measures to ensure the required reliability levels for concrete structures.

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