@inproceedings{SykoraHolickyDiamantidis, author = {S{\´y}kora, Miroslav and Holicky, Milan and Diamantidis, Dimitris}, title = {Target Reliability for Existing Civil Engineering Systems}, series = {2016 Second International Symposium on Stochastic Models in Reliability Engineering, Life Science and Operations Management (SMRLO), 15-18 Feb. 2016, Beer Sheva, Israel}, booktitle = {2016 Second International Symposium on Stochastic Models in Reliability Engineering, Life Science and Operations Management (SMRLO), 15-18 Feb. 2016, Beer Sheva, Israel}, publisher = {IEEE}, doi = {10.1109/SMRLO.2016.28}, pages = {109 -- 114}, abstract = {Specification of the target reliability levels is one of the key issues of the assessment of existing systems. ISO 2394:2015 indicate procedures for specification of the target reliability levels by optimisation of the total cost related to an assumed remaining working life of a structural system. These approaches are critically compared with human safety criteria and with recommendations of present standards. It appears that the requirement on the same target reliability levels for existing civil engineering systems as for newly designed is uneconomical. Decisions in the assessment can result in the acceptance of the actual state or in upgrade of the existing structure, two reliability levels are thus needed - the minimum level below which the structure is unreliable and should be upgraded, and the target level indicating an optimum upgrade strategy. When reliability of a system or its key component is verified (as compared to design of a common component), the target reliability index should be increased by about 0.5.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{SykoraMarkovaDiamantidis, author = {S{\´y}kora, Miroslav and Markova, Jana and Diamantidis, Dimitris}, title = {Bayesian Network Application for the Risk Assessment of Existing Energy Production Units}, series = {2016 Second International Symposium on Stochastic Models in Reliability Engineering, Life Science and Operations Management (SMRLO), 15-18 Feb. 2016, Beer Sheva, Israel}, booktitle = {2016 Second International Symposium on Stochastic Models in Reliability Engineering, Life Science and Operations Management (SMRLO), 15-18 Feb. 2016, Beer Sheva, Israel}, publisher = {IEEE}, doi = {10.1109/SMRLO.2016.116}, pages = {656 -- 664}, abstract = {A Bayesian network is applied in this contribution in order to assess the risks of a selected production unit in a fossil power station. A general framework for the risk assessment of production units of a power station is presented first by implementing statistical methods and Bayesian networks. Special emphasis is given to the input data consisting of failure rates which are obtained on the basis of recorded data and expert judgements. The consequences of failure are divided into economical and human (societal): economic consequences include outages of key technological devices, societal consequences cover potential injuries and fatalities. Probabilistic risk assessment methods are applied to the selected production unit of a power station. The influence of the uncertainties in the considered technical parameters on the availability of the unit is assessed and the acceptance of the calculated availability represented through the mean value and the standard deviation is discussed. Societal risks given in terms of weighted injuries and fatalities are obtained and respective risk acceptance criteria are presented. Uncertainties affecting the risks are discussed. It appears that the proposed framework provides a valuable assessment of the influence individual devices and their components on availability and societal risk. For that purpose the used methodology, intentionally simplified for operational applications, includes important factors affecting risks of production units. It is concluded that Bayesian networks are a transparent method for the probabilistic risk assessment of complex technological systems. The results of the performed analyses can be easily updated when additional information becomes available as illustrated in characteristic examples.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{HolickyDiamantidisSykora, author = {Holicky, Milan and Diamantidis, Dimitris and S{\´y}kora, Miroslav}, title = {Economically optimum structural design}, series = {High Performance and Optimum Design of Structures and Materials III (HPSM/OPTI 2018) ; Ljubljana, Slovenia 11.07.2018 - 13.07.2018}, booktitle = {High Performance and Optimum Design of Structures and Materials III (HPSM/OPTI 2018) ; Ljubljana, Slovenia 11.07.2018 - 13.07.2018}, editor = {de Wilde, W. P. and Hern{\´a}ndez, S. and Kravanja, S.}, publisher = {WIT}, doi = {10.2495/hpsm180151}, pages = {143 -- 153}, abstract = {Codes of practice aim to assure structures have acceptable risks to the public and the minimum total costs over the working life of a design. However, current codified criteria for structural design correspond to a broad range of reliability levels, specified for dissimilar reference periods even though their recalculation for different periods is uncertain due to unknown dependence of failure events in time. In this contribution, target reliability levels are specified on the basis of probabilistic risk optimization considering the objective function as a sum of various costs including effects of time to failure and discounting. A case study presents probabilistic optimization of the roof of a stadium for 4,000 spectators and illustrates the effect of the considered input parameters. Failure consequences and relative cost of safety measure are shown to be major factors affecting the optimum reliability level. Less important factors are the discount rate and working life. Large uncertainty in failure cost estimates seems to have only a marginal effect on derived optimum reliability levels.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{CroceDiamantidisSykora, author = {Croce, Valeria and Diamantidis, Dimitris and S{\´y}kora, Miroslav}, title = {Seismic Damage Evaluation and Decisions on Interventions Supported by UAV-Based Surveys}, series = {Protection of Historical Constructions: Proceedings of PROHITECH 2021}, volume = {209}, booktitle = {Protection of Historical Constructions: Proceedings of PROHITECH 2021}, editor = {Vayas, Ioannis and Mazzolani, Federico M.}, publisher = {Springer International Publishing}, address = {Cham}, isbn = {978-3-030-90787-7}, doi = {10.1007/978-3-030-90788-4_20}, pages = {206 -- 221}, abstract = {The contribution demonstrates the benefits of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV)-based surveys for building damage evaluation and decisions on interventions after an earthquake. The case study focuses on the historic village of Castelluccio di Norcia (Italy), heavily damaged by the 2016 earthquake. By constructing a 3D model based on UAV flights, the damage levels are estimated for buildings in the village and an optimal set of intervention measures is proposed. For the decision analysis, a pre-posterior Bayesian technique is utilized. The efficiency of the UAV-based survey is highlighted through a cost-benefit analysis and by considering parameters such as the time constraints, the quality of obtained data and the risk of inspecting persons. The proposed method seems to be efficient in organizing rescuing activities, managing emergency measures and specifying interventions, following the occurrence of an accidental situation.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{CroceDiamantidisSykora, author = {Croce, Valeria and Diamantidis, Dimitris and S{\´y}kora, Miroslav}, title = {Planning post earthquake surveys: assessments and reconstruction of small historical centres}, series = {1st IABSE Online Symposium 2020, Synergy of culture and civil engineering - history and challenges: Wrocław, Poland, 7-9 October 2020, Proceedings}, booktitle = {1st IABSE Online Symposium 2020, Synergy of culture and civil engineering - history and challenges: Wrocław, Poland, 7-9 October 2020, Proceedings}, editor = {Bien, Jan}, publisher = {Curran Associates Inc}, address = {Red Hook, NY}, isbn = {978-1-7138-2387-2}, pages = {332 -- 339}, abstract = {The contribution presents a methodological procedure for the management and planning of interventions after earthquake events in small historic centres. Reference is made to the case study of Castelluccio di Norcia, a village in the Apennine Mountains affected by the seismic sequence that hit Central Italy in 2016. The earthquake risk of the area and the damaging events of 2016 are critically reviewed. The implementation of cognitive analysis and the application of advanced survey techniques involving the use of nmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for the purposes of emergency management and monitoring of damaged areas are analysed. The outcomes, combined with the direct involvement of the local population, represent a complete and integrated approach allowing the definition of a) possible intervention strategies, b) related decision criteria and c) practical recommendations for the reconstruction and regeneration of Castelluccio, and, in general, of small historic centres damaged by catastrophic events.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{DiamantidisSykora, author = {Diamantidis, Dimitris and S{\´y}kora, Miroslav}, title = {Reliability Differentiation and Uniform Risk in Standards}, series = {Scientific Symposium Future Trends in Civil Engineering, Zagreb,Croatia, 17 October 2029}, booktitle = {Scientific Symposium Future Trends in Civil Engineering, Zagreb,Croatia, 17 October 2029}, doi = {10.5592/CO/FTCE.2019.11}, pages = {241 -- 260}, abstract = {Reliability of structures and infrastructures is a major issue in structural engineering. Structural standards have traditionally been mainly concerned with public safety preventing loss of life or injury; this view has been shifting in recent years towards minimisation of economic loss. This contribution discusses the reliability differentiation principle in modern standards. Its aim is to achieve uniform risk levels for the various classes of structures. Codified criteria for reliability differentiation and risk informed decisions inherent in standards and especially in the Eurocodes are critically reviewed. It is shown that the classification of structures based on consequences of failure is an approach that has not been widely implemented in everyday design. Practical rules for the classification and implementation in design are needed and related proposals are presented.}, language = {en} } @article{SykoraDiamantidisMuelleretal., author = {S{\´y}kora, Miroslav and Diamantidis, Dimitris and Mueller, Dominik and Sousa, Helder}, title = {A practical guide on the quantification of value of information gained by structural health monitoring and application to historic masonry structures}, series = {Structure and Infrastructure Engineering}, volume = {18}, journal = {Structure and Infrastructure Engineering}, number = {4}, publisher = {Taylor\&Francis}, doi = {10.1080/15732479.2020.1857793}, pages = {441 -- 455}, abstract = {Structural health monitoring (SHM) projects are mostly based on semi-empirical decisions, emphasising the importance of the structure and lacking a rational comparison of the benefits and costs. The present work offers guidance to overcome this, based on an objective framework using the quantification of the value of SHM in an engineering context. Firstly, procedures for practising engineers are outlined on the basis of the COST guidelines. Secondly, a case study, focused on the reliability of a historic masonry structure, demonstrates the optimisation of surveys based on non-destructive tests calibrated by destructive tests. Both the outlined procedures and case study are carefully prepared and in tune, so the reader can easily understand the feasibility of the framework. Decisions on the utilisation of SHM in practical applications can be effectively achieved based on the highest expected utility gained by SHM. For this, two scenarios are needed: (i) a scenario with at least one SHM strategy and (ii) a scenario without any SHM.}, language = {en} } @article{SykoraDiamantidisHolickyetal., author = {S{\´y}kora, Miroslav and Diamantidis, Dimitris and Holick{\´y}, Milan and Markov{\´a}, Jana and R{\´o}zs{\´a}s, {\´A}rp{\´a}d}, title = {Assessment of compressive strength of historic masonry using non-destructive and destructive techniques}, series = {Construction and Building Materials}, volume = {193}, journal = {Construction and Building Materials}, number = {December}, publisher = {Elsevier}, doi = {10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.10.180}, pages = {196 -- 210}, abstract = {Masonry structures were built by various techniques using different materials, the properties of which exhibit a considerable scatter dependent on periods of construction and region-specific conditions. For historic structures with a heritage value, various non- or minor-destructive tests (NDTs) are commonly applied, while the application of destructive tests (DTs) is minimized. The contribution is based on investigations of 15 historic stone and clay brick masonry structures, for which NDT strengths of masonry units are verified by DTs. The proposed operational approach makes it possible to account for statistical uncertainty due to a limited number of DTs used to calibrate NDTs.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{DiamantidisSykora, author = {Diamantidis, Dimitris and S{\´y}kora, Miroslav}, title = {Implementing Snow Load Monitoring to control Reliability of a Stadium Roof}, series = {Transactions of VSB}, volume = {19}, booktitle = {Transactions of VSB}, number = {1}, publisher = {TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF OSTRAVA}, doi = {10.35181/tces-2019-0006}, pages = {35 -- 40}, abstract = {This contribution shows how monitoring can be used to control reliability of a structure not complying with the requirements of Eurocodes. A general methodology to obtain cost-optimal decisions using limit state design, probabilistic reliability analysis and cost estimates is utilised in a full-scale case study dealing with the roof of a stadium located in Northern Italy. The results demonstrate the potential of monitoring systems and probabilistic reliability analysis to support decisions regarding safety measures such as snow removal, or temporary closure of the stadium.}, language = {en} } @article{BenekosDiamantidis, author = {Benekos, Ioannis and Diamantidis, Dimitris}, title = {On risk assessment and risk acceptance of dangerous goods transportation through road tunnels in Greece}, series = {Safety Science}, volume = {91}, journal = {Safety Science}, number = {91}, publisher = {Elsevier}, doi = {10.1016/j.ssci.2016.07.013}, pages = {1 -- 10}, abstract = {Prescriptive and risk-based methods including qualitative, semi-quantitative and quantitative approaches exist for the risk assessment of road tunnels. This paper provides an overview and a brief discussion of these methods and uses representative traffic and accident data in Greece in a typical tunnel conforming with the minimum infrastructure requirements of the European Directive 2004/54/EC to compare and discuss the resulting risk for each of these methods. Conclusions regarding the implementation of risk analysis methods and the use of the associated existing national guideline are drawn and recommendations for further developments in standards are provided. An integrated framework for the optimal selection of safety measures based on risk reduction and socio-economic considerations is proposed and its applicability in risk analysis of road tunnels is discussed. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.}, language = {en} } @article{SykoraDiamantidisHolickyetal., author = {S{\´y}kora, Miroslav and Diamantidis, Dimitris and Holicky, Milan and Jung, Karel}, title = {Target reliability for existing structures considering economic and societal aspects}, series = {Structure and infrastructure engineering}, volume = {13}, journal = {Structure and infrastructure engineering}, number = {1}, publisher = {Taylor\&Francis}, doi = {10.1080/15732479.2016.1198394}, pages = {181 -- 194}, abstract = {Specification of target reliability levels is one of the key issues of the assessment of existing structures. ISO 13822:2010 and ISO 2394:2015 indicate procedures for specification of target reliability levels by optimisation of the total cost related to an assumed remaining working life of a structure. These approaches are critically compared with human safety criteria, with target levels based on a marginal life-saving costs principle, and with recommendations of present standards. Optimal target reliability levels are then derived in the representative case study for an existing structural member. It appears that the requirement to reach the same target reliability levels for existing and new structures is uneconomical. Decisions made in the assessment can result in the acceptance of the actual state or in the upgrade of an existing structure. Two reliability levels are thus needed - the minimum level below which the structure is unreliable and should be upgraded, and the target level indicating an optimum upgrade strategy. It is recommended that these levels be established using economic optimisation and the marginal life-saving costs principle, as both the approaches take into account the costs of safety measures and the failure consequences.}, language = {en} } @article{RetiefDiamantidisBarnardoViljoenetal., author = {Retief, Johan Verster and Diamantidis, Dimitris and Barnardo-Viljoen, Celeste and van der Klashorst, Etienne}, title = {Extreme actions and climate change: experience gained in South Africa and Germany}, series = {Civil Engineering and Environmental Systems}, volume = {31}, journal = {Civil Engineering and Environmental Systems}, number = {2}, publisher = {Taylor \& Francis}, address = {Abingdon}, issn = {1029-0249}, doi = {10.1080/10286608.2014.912640}, pages = {179 -- 188}, abstract = {The results of a survey of climate change developments in South Africa and Germany from the perspective of its relevance to extreme actions on infrastructure are presented in this paper. It is concluded that the importance of climate change is broad and varied. However incorporation into practice is mostly nominal. Although general trends of climate change are confirmed, proper information on changes in extreme conditions is limited. Coastal engineering seems to be the field which is most active in providing for climate change. It is concluded that risk-based methodologies developed to treat the variability and uncertainties of extreme actions and consequences in present practice provide a sound basis for treating the effects of climate change in a rational and optimal manner. It is also clear that there is strong motivation for extensive research as the best action to be taken presently, anticipating appropriate adjustment of re-optimised design methodologies.}, language = {en} } @incollection{RetiefBarnardoViljoenvanderKlashorstetal., author = {Retief, Johan Verster and Barnardo-Viljoen, Celeste and van der Klashorst, Etienne and Diamantidis, Dimitris}, title = {Extreme actions and climate change}, series = {Safety, Reliability, Risk and Life-Cycle Performance of Structures and Infrastructures : proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Structural Safety and Reliability, New York, USA, 16-20 June 2013}, booktitle = {Safety, Reliability, Risk and Life-Cycle Performance of Structures and Infrastructures : proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Structural Safety and Reliability, New York, USA, 16-20 June 2013}, editor = {Deodatis, George and Ellingwood, Bruce and Frangopol, Dan M.}, publisher = {CRC Press}, address = {London}, isbn = {9780429227950}, pages = {1543 -- 1550}, language = {en} } @article{SykoraHolickyDiamantidis, author = {S{\´y}kora, Miroslav and Holick{\´y}, Milan and Diamantidis, Dimitris}, title = {Probabilistic updating in the reliability assessment of industrial heritage structures}, series = {Heron}, volume = {59}, journal = {Heron}, number = {2/3}, publisher = {Stevin-Laboratorium, TU Delft}, address = {Delft}, issn = {0046-7316}, abstract = {Assessment of existing structures should be based on the actual as-built conditions concerning geometry, material properties, loading and environmental conditions. A crucial step of the assessment consists in updating of prior information by newly obtained measurements which may be conducted by Bayesian approach. Updating of probabilistic distributions of basic variables or direct updating of failure probability can be effectively used. Application of theoretical principles is illustrated by a case study of a historic factory built in 1900s. The paper is a tribute to Ton Vrouwenvelder for his essential contributions to developments of theory and promotion of practical applications of probabilistic assessment of existing structures.}, language = {en} } @article{SteenbergenSykoraDiamantidisetal., author = {Steenbergen, R.D.J.M. and S{\´y}kora, Miroslav and Diamantidis, Dimitris and Holick{\´y}, Milan and Vrouwenvelder, A.C.W.M.}, title = {Economic and human safety reliability levels for existing structures}, series = {Structural Concrete. JOurnal of the fib}, volume = {16}, journal = {Structural Concrete. JOurnal of the fib}, publisher = {Wiley}, doi = {10.1002/suco.201500022}, pages = {323 -- 332}, abstract = {Specifying the target reliability levels is one of the key issues in the assessment of existing structures. For a majority of existing buildings and infrastructures, the design life has been reached or will be reached in the near future. These structures need to be reassessed in order to verify their safety. Eurocodes provide a general basis primarily intended for the design of new structures, but the basic principles can be used for assessing existing buildings, too. Reliability levels are generally based on both economic optimization and criteria for human safety. In this study, both methods are elaborated for existing structures. It appears that the requirement for the same target reliability for existing and new structures is uneconomical. Further, cost optimization seems to yield rather low reliability levels and human safety criteria often become the critical factor. The study concludes with practical guidelines for establishing reliability indices for existing structures linked to Eurocode principles.}, language = {en} } @book{TannerdeDiegoLaraSaracheetal., author = {Tanner, Peter and de Diego, Ana and Lara Sarache, Carlos and Prieto, Miguel and Hingorani, Ram{\´o}n and Holick{\´y}, Milan and S{\´y}kora, Miroslav and Diamantidis, Dimitris and Men{\´e}ndez Ondina, Antonio and Croce, Pietro and Bartelletti, Raffaello and Beconcini, Maria Luisa and Formichi, Paolo and Marsili, Francesca and Muzzi, Martina and Rosso, Elisa and Toprak, Selcuk and Inel, Mehmet and Koc, Cem and Nacaroglu, Engin and Senel, Sevket Murat}, title = {Operational methods for the assessment and management of aging infrastructure}, publisher = {Tipograf{\´i}a editrice Pisana}, address = {Pisa, Italia}, isbn = {9788882501471}, pages = {186}, abstract = {The Leonardo da Vinci Project, "Innovation Transfer in Risk Assessment and Management of Aging Infrastructures", CZ/13/LLP-LdV/TOI/134014, addresses the urgent need to train students, young engineers and professionals in the assessment of existing infrastructures. The future of the construction industry lies in moving from new constructions towards the maintenance, repair and rehabilitation of existing structures, particularly of aging infrastructures. Risk management consisting of risk assessment and risk control of existing structure therefore plays thereby an important role. The assessment of existing infrastructures is an imperative issue of great economic significance in most countries around the world, as more than 50 \% of all construction activities concerns existing buildings, bridges and other civil engineering works. At present, the Eurocodes which will be used in all CEN Member countries are primarily focused on the design of new structures. Additional operational rules for existing structures are still missing. The international standard ISO 13822 provides only general principles for the assessment of existing structures which should be further developed for their effective operational use in practice. The overall procedure of risk management of aging infrastructures is therefore an urgent issue of great economic significance in most countries around the world. This is primarily caused due to the fact that many infrastructures are affected by action effects, fatigue and environmental influences, and inevitably deteriorate. Moreover, available resources for the maintenance, repair or possible replacement of infrastructures are always limited. Typical questions and problems which must be solved in this context can be summarized as follows: • What is the current state of a particular infrastructure? • What is an acceptable level of the relevant risk? • Which aspects are critical to sustainable performance? • What is the optimum life-cycle cost? • What is the best long-term funding strategy? The proposed project highlights the above problems and focusses also on vocational training in risk management and assessment of aging infrastructure in the partner countries (CZ, DE, ES, IT and TR). The current project addresses the urgent need for practical implementation of principles of the management and risk assessment of existing infrastructures in all the partner countries. The project is supported by the Czech Chamber of Chartered Engineers (ČKAIT). The project consortium, under the leadership of the Klokner Institute of the Czech Technical University in Prague (KI CTU), consists of five other partners, including research institutions and universities from three EU Member States (DE, ES, IT) as well as one associated country (TR), and also the Secondary Technical School of Civil Engineering in Ceske Budejovice (CZ). All researchers within the partnership are involved in research projects dealing with reliability assessment of existing structures. They participate in the national and international standardization activities within the international organizations CEN (European Committee for Standardisation) and ISO (International Standardization Organisation). The project outcomes consist of vocational training materials based on international research and relevant standard committee's activities, and on the significant experience gained from case studies, and on selected results obtained from the previous projects of the Leonardo da Vinci programme. In particular, the experience gained by the partners of the present consortium from the completed project on vocational training related to assessment of existing structures is utilized. Available innovations are transferred to undergraduate and graduate students, practising engineers and local government representatives. The developed training materials are of practical use in offering illustrative examples and several case studies. All the project outcomes are based on documents of the international research organization, Joint Committee on Structural Safety JCSS and international research projects, selected outcomes of the previous project of the Leonardo da Vinci programme (developed by five partners of the present consortium in 2013-2015) and also on background documents to the new European and international standards. Particular outcomes of the proposed project include practical handbooks, software tools, web-sites, e-learning, courses and seminars organized in the partners´ home countries. The project outcomes will also be offered to other European countries through code committees work, lectures and the project web-sites. It is foreseen that the outcomes being used by engineers, designers, technicians, and representatives of public authorities involved in planning and management will have an impact on the risk-based management of infrastructures. One of the important project outcomes is the present Handbook 2 "Operational Methods for the Assessment and Management of Aging Infrastructure", which is focussed on operational techniques for the assessment of aging infrastructures supplemented by illustrative case studies developed according to ISO 13822 and Eurocodes for different structures and materials. From the mentioned project also result Handbook 1, where general procedures of risk-management and assessment of aging infrastructures are presented, and Handbook 3, where operational techniques for the assessment of aging infrastructures supplemented by illustrative case studies are presented with a more basic approach. Handbook 2 consists of eleven chapters. Chapter 1 gives a brief introduction. Chapter 2 summarizes current applicable standards and codes for existing structures. Chapter 3 reviews survey methods. The remaining chapters are devoted to the illustration of relevant case studies, referring to the assessment of different existing infrastructures. In particular, chapter 4 refers to a commercial building, chapter 5 to a r.c. building damaged by corrosion, chapter 6 to silos, chapter 7 to pipelines and water supply systems, chapter 8 to tanks, chapter 9 to historical aqueducts, chapter 10 to bridges and chapter 11 to dams and flood protection systems. In each case studies the entire procedure of the assessment is illustrated step by step emphasizing references to relevant Codes and in particular to ISO 13822. It is believed that the material of this handbook is presented in an understandable way, referring to several case studies. A number of references mentioned in each chapter provide additional background materials, further guidance and information useful to widen the significance and the field of application of the assessment methods illustrated for each case study. Pisa and Prague, 2015}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{BarnardoViljoenvanderKlashorstRetiefetal., author = {Barnardo-Viljoen, Celeste and van der Klashorst, Etienne and Retief, Johan Verster and Diamantidis, Dimitris}, title = {Extreme actions and climate change: Experience gained in South Africa and Germany}, series = {Robust engineering solutions with environmental loading. The 11th International Conference on Structural Safety and Reliability (ICOSSAR 2013), New York, USA}, booktitle = {Robust engineering solutions with environmental loading. The 11th International Conference on Structural Safety and Reliability (ICOSSAR 2013), New York, USA}, publisher = {Inderscience Enterprises Ltd}, abstract = {Since resistance against extreme environmental actions explicitly forms part of the basis of structural design, the implications of climate change emphatically needs to be considered. This paper presents the results of a survey of climate change developments in South Africa and Germany from the perspective of its rele-vance to extreme actions on infrastructure. It is concluded that the importance of climate change is broad and varied. However incorporation into practice is mostly nominal. Although general trends of climate change are confirmed, proper information on changes in extreme conditions is limited. Coastal engineering seems to be the field which is most active in providing for climate change. It is concluded that risk based methodologies developed to treat the variability and uncertainties of extreme actions and consequences in present practice provide a sound basis for treating the effects of climate change in a rational and optimal manner. It is also clear that there is strong motivation for extensive research as the best action to be taken presently, anticipating appropriate adjustment of reoptimized design methodologies.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{DiamantidisHolicky, author = {Diamantidis, Dimitris and Holick{\´y}, Milan}, title = {Reliability Differentiation in the Eurocodes}, series = {Advances and trends in structural engineering, mechanics and computation (SEMC 2010) : proceedings of the Fourth International Conference on Structural Engineering, Mechanics and Computation, 6 - 8 September 2010, Cape Town, South Africa}, booktitle = {Advances and trends in structural engineering, mechanics and computation (SEMC 2010) : proceedings of the Fourth International Conference on Structural Engineering, Mechanics and Computation, 6 - 8 September 2010, Cape Town, South Africa}, editor = {Zingoni, Alphose}, publisher = {CRC Press/Balkema}, isbn = {978-0-415-58472-2}, abstract = {Structural Eurocodes offer the opportunity of harmonized design standards for the European construction markets and the rest of the world. Eurocodes aim at delivering structures with an appropriate degree of reliability and in an economic way. The reliability requirements of the Eurocodes and the associated background philosophy are discussed in this contribution. The definition and the measure of reliability in standards and especially in the Eurocodes are reviewed. The procedures for selecting target and acceptable re-liability levels are summarized and the reliability differentiation in the Eurocodes is highlighted. Global failure aspects including robustness are briefly discussed. Finally examples from case studies are provided demonstrating the applicability and the benefits from the reliability differentiation approach.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{DiamantidisCanisius, author = {Diamantidis, Dimitris and Canisius, Gerard}, title = {Risk based criteria for the verification of global structural performance}, series = {1st International Conference on Performance Based and Life-Cycle Structural Engineering (PLSE 2012), 5 - 7 December 2012 in Hong Kong, China}, booktitle = {1st International Conference on Performance Based and Life-Cycle Structural Engineering (PLSE 2012), 5 - 7 December 2012 in Hong Kong, China}, publisher = {HKISC}, address = {Hong Kong}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{RetiefDiamantidisBarnardoViljoenetal., author = {Retief, Johan Verster and Diamantidis, Dimitris and Barnardo-Viljoen, Celeste and van der Klashorst, Etienne}, title = {Application of Risk Based Infrastructure Design Concepts to provision for climate change}, series = {American Meteorological Society (AMS), 94th AMS annual meeting, Atlanta, Georgia, USA}, booktitle = {American Meteorological Society (AMS), 94th AMS annual meeting, Atlanta, Georgia, USA}, publisher = {American Meteorological Society}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{HolickyDiamantidisRetiefetal., author = {Holick{\´y}, Milan and Diamantidis, Dimitris and Retief, Johan Verster and Barnardo-Viljoen, Celeste}, title = {On Standardization of the Reliability Basis of Structural Design}, series = {ICASP12 : 12th International Conference on Applications of Statistics and Probability in Civil Engineering, Vancouver, Canada, July 12-15, 2015}, booktitle = {ICASP12 : 12th International Conference on Applications of Statistics and Probability in Civil Engineering, Vancouver, Canada, July 12-15, 2015}, publisher = {The University of British Columbia}, address = {Vancouver}, doi = {10.14288/1.0076062}, abstract = {The principles of structural reliability are sufficiently advanced to be used extensively to develop design standards even at international level. The concept of limit states is generally accepted and implemented. Present standards are however to a large extent based on past experience, rather than on quantitative reliability modeling. It appears that reliability principles and models can bridge the gap between probabilistic assessment and operational design. Representative theoretical models are presented to indicate how judgment based reliability concepts can be complemented or replaced by the use of such models. The importance of reliability levels, reference period, design working life, specified characteristic values of basic variables and methods to derive their design values from reliability procedures are demonstrated. On this basis a standardized basis of structural design can be formulated to convert the reliability principles (such as provided by ISO 2394) into operational design procedures (such as used by EN 1990 and other standards). It is concluded that reliability principles and models could contribute further to international harmonization of structural design.}, language = {en} }