The book explores the mathematical verification of structural safety through probability of failure and safety elements. It highlights the importance of expert assessments in evaluating damages and collapses, acknowledging the uniqueness of various structures. Additionally, it advocates for a broader examination of safety across all types of constructions, suggesting a comprehensive approach to understanding and improving structural integrity.
Focusing on structural bridge engineering, this monograph explores the relationship between failure probabilities and collapse frequencies. It offers techniques to address limitations in these parameters, considering their time dependency. The inclusion of data and case studies helps identify potential weaknesses and challenges in bridge maintenance. Aimed at practicing engineers, the book also serves as a valuable resource for academic researchers interested in the field.
Focusing on the significance of historical stone arch bridges, the book explores their enduring role in modern infrastructure. It delves into their history and provides insights into various repair and reinforcement techniques, emphasizing probabilistic safety assessment methods. This comprehensive examination highlights both the engineering challenges and the preservation of these architectural marvels.
Since the German edition of this book, the topic of risk has experienced even greater attention, not only in the world of science but also in other fields, such as economics and politics. Therefore, many new publications have evolved. To keep with the idea of an encyclopedia for the topic of risk, this book has been completely reworked. Not only are many updated examples included in chapter “Risks and disasters” but also new chapters have been introduced, such as the chapter “Indetermination and risk”. This new chapter was developed since the question “Is it possible for risks to be completely eliminated, and if not why?” has become a major point of c- cern. Therefore, especially in this chapter, the focus of the book has - tended from a simple mathematical or engineering point of view to include much broader concepts. Here, not only aspects of system theory have to be considered, but also some general philosophical questions start to inf- ence the considerations of the topic of risk. The main goal of this edition, however, is not only the extension and revision of the book, but also the translation into the English language to allow more readers access to the ideas of the book. The author deeply hopes that the success the book made in the German edition continues and that readers experience a major gain from reading the book.
