Modification of partial safety factors for a semi-probabilistic evaluation of existing timber structures

The evaluation of the load-bearing capacity of existing structures is a central and important part in the work of structural engineers. Currently, engineers are confronted with the challenge of applying design rules developed for new structures in the evaluation of existing ones as no specific reco...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Maria Loebjinski, Zheng Li, Wolgang Rug, Hartmut Pasternak
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Vilnius Gediminas Technical University 2025-02-01
Series:Engineering Structures and Technologies
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Online Access:https://transport.vgtu.lt/index.php/EST/article/view/23007
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Summary:The evaluation of the load-bearing capacity of existing structures is a central and important part in the work of structural engineers. Currently, engineers are confronted with the challenge of applying design rules developed for new structures in the evaluation of existing ones as no specific recommendations exist on a European level. As a contribution to this, a first step of this study is the evaluation of the reliability level of timber elements subjected to common limit states. Based on these analyses, modifications of the target reliability and of partial safety factors (PSF) for existing structures on the resistance side are studied. Considering a modification of the target reliability, the PSF for the material strength could be proposed with  for compressive and flexural strength in limit states, where variable actions are present. Additionally, options for incorporating updated material parameters from a survey on site supported by technical devices are discussed and further need for research is identified. Subsequently, this paper provides a stepwise evaluation procedure including modified PSF considering both, an update of the target reliability and update of the material parameters obtained by a survey on site and is thus adaptive for different individual cases and level of information.  First published online 10 February 2025
ISSN:2029-882X
2029-8838