Optimising Monitoring: Standards, Reliability Basis and Application to Assessment of Roof Snow Load Risks

Abstract

This paper addresses the optimisation of monitoring and decision-making criteria regarding the future use of structures. The current state of practice in standards and reliability framework are initially summarised. A general methodology for obtaining cost-optimal decisions is then presented on the basis of limit state design, probabilistic reliability analysis and cost estimates. The implementation of the risk-based approach is illustrated in a case study dealing with the roof of a stadium located in northern Italy. As the roof fails to comply with the requirements of the Eurocodes, the installation of a permanent monitoring system is recommended to allow for a real-time reliability assessment. The results demonstrate the potential of monitoring systems and probabilistic reliability analysis for supporting decisions regarding safety measures such as snow removal or temporary closure of the stadium, as well as reflecting the need to implement the discussed procedures in future standards.

Keywords:

• decision-making
• Eurocodes
• monitoring
• probabilistic reliability analysis
• snow load
• stadium roof
• standards

Acknowledgements

The outcomes of COST Action TU1402 have been utilised in this paper.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Czech Science Foundation [grant number 16-11378S]; the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic [grant number LD15037]; the Regensburg Centre of Energy and Resources (RCER) of OTH Regensburg; and the Technology and Science Network Oberpfalz (TWO).