Safety and Risk Analysis

Code:

MESTEC25

Acronym:

SAR

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Construction and Civil Engineering

Instance: 2021/2022 - 1S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Structural and geotechnical Division
Course/CS Responsible:	Master in Civil Engineering Structures

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
MESTEC	11	Syllabus	1	-	6	49	162

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

To know the basics and how to apply the techniques for modeling uncertainties in Civil Engineering problems.
Evaluate, quantify and calculate safety using reliability analysis techniques and quantify the risk inherent to Civil Engineering structures.
Apply commonly used models to characterize the variability of structural systems.
Apply reliability analysis techniques to calculate the probabilities of failure.
Evaluate the structural safety based on a probabilistic approach and determine the corresponding level of risk.

Learning outcomes and competences

Information and training on the various aspects relevant for the assessment of structural safety and risk analysis of construction systems currently used in Civil Engineering. In depth knowledge about the methodological bases that govern the code approaches currently used in structural design. At the end of the course students will have acquired solid knowledge and technical skills that will allow them to act with a strong background in this field.

Working method

Presencial

Program

1 - Introduction to Uncertainty Analysis and Modelling
Types of uncertainty and terminology; Elements of probability theory

2 - Uncertainty Modelling from Data
Common probability distribution models for discrete and continuous random variables; Descriptive Statistics; Confidence Interval; Goodness of Fit tests.

3 - Structural Safety according to Design Codes
Standardization of design principles; Probabilistic and semi-probabilistic approach; Characteristic value and design value; Partial safety factors.

4 - Reliability Theory in Civil Engineering
Assumptions; Definition of reliability index; Second-moment reliability methods; Simulation methods.

5 - Application of Reliability Analysis in Design Codes
Principles of limit state design; Target reliabilities for design; Calibration of partial safety factors.

6 - Risk Assessment and Risk Analysis
The general concepts of risk; Risk management; Risk communication and decisions; Decision trees; Event trees; Fault trees; Influence diagrams.

Mandatory literature

Melchers Robert E.; Structural reliability analysis and prediction. ISBN: 0-471-98771-9
Ang Alfredo H. S.; Probability concepts in engineering planning and design. ISBN: 0-471-03200-X

Complementary Bibliography

Ayyub, B. M.; Risk analysis in engineering and economics, Chapman & Hall/CRC., 2003
Cremona, C.; Structural Performance. Probability-based Assessment, ISTE/Wiley, 2011
Faber, M. H.; Risk and Safety in Engineering, ETH - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich, 2007

Teaching methods and learning activities

All the subjects of the course are presented during theoretical classes, where the theories and models are introduced, together with the analysis of representative practical exercises. The practical assignments solved by the students are presented and discussed during practical classes.

DEMONSTRATION OF THE COHERENCE BETWEEN THE TEACHING METHODOLOGIES AND LEARNING OUTCOMES:
The theoretical-practical model involving graded practical assigments contributes to an extensive discussion of different cases, while ensuring that knowledge is efficiently transmitted and that students remain engaged to further explore, extend and critically analyse such knowledge.
Moreover, the range of chapters that are covered, which address different methods for the assessment of structural safety complemented by risk analysis, allows the student to gain skills for the application of these methodologies over a wide range of design scenarios.

keywords

Technological sciences > Engineering > Civil engineering > Structural engineering

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Exame	50,00
Trabalho prático ou de projeto	50,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Designation	Time (hours)
Estudo autónomo	72,00
Frequência das aulas	56,00
Trabalho escrito	30,00
Total:	158,00

Eligibility for exams

Achieving final classification requires compliance with attendance at the course unit, according to the FEUP assessment rules. It is considered that students meet the attendance requirements if, having been regularly enrolled, the number of absences of 25% of the classes in traditional classroom is not exceeded.

Calculation formula of final grade

Practical assignments (50%); Exam (50%)

Approval of the course unit requires the obtention of a minimum grade of 7/20 in each of the components of evaluation (Practical assignments and Exam)

Classification improvement

The classification improvement can be performed under the same conditions of the final exam and the accumulation of the classification of distributed evaluation.