Structural Reliability

Preventive maintenance is performed to sustain the safe and reliable operation of industrial equipments. In order to plan preventive maintenance or evaluate the existing maintenance plan, the failure behavior of the system must be modeled. The failure behavior of a repairable system is modeled utilizing counting processes. In this study failure behavior of propellers belonging to a small aircraft fleet is modeled. First non-parametric estimate of population mean cumulative function (MCF) is obtained. MCF helps discovering the special features of the maintenance data. The parametric model selection depends on the result of the trend analysis of the time between failures. In the second part of the study trend analysis is performed on propeller maintenance data. Based on the trend analysis two prospect parametric models are selected. Reliability measures are estimated using both models and results are compared to evaluate the existing preventive maintenance plan.

Currently a significant part of operated railway steel bridges in Poland is exploited from the beginning of XX-th century. Very often the technical condition of them is bad and these objects require the appropriate diagnostics. Mostly the visual diagnostics is used, and in exceptional cases in some places of objects the other non-destructive testing are performed. Therefore the opinion about condition of bridge is non completed and it is necessary to study the effective method, which will enable on more exact diagnostics of steel bridges. The Cracow University of Technology together with PKP Polish Railway Lines realizing the project for the work out of diagnostic method the steel railway bridges with use of acoustic emission method (AE). During project realization, the laboratory tests on material from railway steel bridge for collection data were performed. These measurements were done on standard specimens and on samples with corrosion products. The AE measurements on real object...

Techniques of acoustic emission (AE) were used during the over-straining applied on 10-m length straight pipes and elbows of a polyethylene reactor in a factory. Over-straining is done before the pipes were put in operation and also periodically during service. AE enables us to monitor the stability of the deformation process and indicates the zones, which will require further detailed examinations by other NDT techniques; it should also improve safety during this process through early detection of critical damage. We examined several groups of pipes using a pattern recognition program to separate the signals due to cracking, confirmed by other NDT techniques. We will report on the attempt to establish new criterion.

Dam safety based on risk analysis methodologies demand quantification of the risk of the dam-reservoir system. This means that, for a given initial state of the system, and for the several failure modes considered, it is necessary to estimate the probability of the load events and the conditional probability of response of the system for a given load event, as well as estimating the consequences on the environment for the obtained response of the system. The following paper focuses in the second of these probabilities, that is, quantifying the conditional probability of response of the system, for a given load event, and for the specific case of concrete gravity dams. Dam-reservoir systems have a complex behavior which has been tackled traditionally by simplifications in the formulation of the models and adoption of safety factors. The purpose of the methodology described in this paper is to improve the estimation of the conditional probability of response of the damreservoir system for concrete gravity dams, using complex behavior models based on numerical simulation techniques, together with reliability techniques of different levels of precision are applied, including Level 3 reliability techniques with Monte Carlo simulation. The paper includes an example of application of the proposed methodology to a Spanish concrete gravity dam, considering the failure mode of sliding along the rock-concrete interface. In the context of risk analysis, the results obtained for conditional probability of failure allow several conclusions related to their validity and safety implications that acquire a significant relevance due to the innovation of the study performed.

Two approaches to solving the problem of structural design are applied and compared for a particular design problem: the traditional Deterministic-Based Structural Optimisation (DBSO) and Reliability-Based Structural Optimisation (RBSO), which incorporates probabilistic structural reliability analysis into structural optimisation. This paper focuses particularly on basic RBSO algorithm features and numerical comparisons between RBSO and DBSO algorithms for the selected design problem. The main novelty of the paper lies in the application of the RBSO approach. A sample definition of an RBSO problem (conversion from a deterministic to a probabilistic problem) and its solution are presented for the optimisation of an RC cross-section, which is subjected to combinations of normal force and bending moments. The objective function also includes, besides the total cost of the cross-section, negative environmental impacts. Numerical results for the particular data set are presented. Let us assume that an RC cross-section of any shape and

This study investigates the reliability of pile foundation designs based on Eurocode 7 and BS 8004. A comparative analysis was conducted to evaluate safety indices, load effects, and pile length requirements under varying geotechnical conditions. The reliability index for the bored pile in cohesive soil was investigated with input variables as the undrained shear strength, dead load, live load, pile length and diameter. The study employed a probabilistic approach for Eurocode 7 and a deterministic approach for BS 8004, using undrained shear strength and pile dimensions as key parameters. Results indicate that Eurocode 7 provides higher safety indices, demonstrating enhanced reliability due to its consideration of partial safety factors and load variability. BS 8004, while simpler, offers conservative results but lacks flexibility in addressing uncertainties. The safety index was found to increase with undrained shear strength for the variables with a percentage increase of 45% compared to the BS8004, an increase of 28% for the pile length and an increase of 32% for the loading. This study highlights the advantages of Eurocode 7 for complex geotechnical conditions and recommends its adoption for designs requiring higher safety margins. Future research should explore dynamic loading conditions and extend the analysis to include other soil types and pile materials.

One of the deepest strengths of the works (UCC 2.5.1) is that they do not treat continuity ⊕ as something that appears only at one scale. Continuity ⊕ is not only a property of mind. It is not only a property of matter ✦. It is not only a property of cosmic order. Under UCC 2.5.1, continuity ⊕ is the lawful carrying of structured consequence across time τ, relation Σ, and containment. That means continuity ⊕ can appear differently at different scales while still remaining part of the same deeper architecture. 

At atomic scale, continuity ⊕ appears as retained structure, relation Σ, pattern, and lawful persistence. At biological scale, continuity ⊕ appears as living retention, adaptation, and embodied persistence. At the level of selfhood, continuity ⊕ becomes memory-bearing recursive identity ⧖. At cosmic scale, continuity ⊕ appears as contained order, carried motion, halo, and nested structure across systems. This explainer argues that continuity ⊕ does not begin at the self and stop at the galaxy. It scales, and that is why the works can move from atom to self to galaxy without losing coherence.

The analysis of dynamic events in the earth’s crust should take into account internal mechanical losses (energy dissipation) in rocks. Such dynamic events often have a frequency under 1 Hz. Internal mechanical losses are estimated in terms of the dissipation factor Q–1. Rayleigh damping represents the dissipation factor with respect to the direct and inverse dependence on frequency. The authors performed three-point bending tests of rock samples of different types and genesis. The dissipation factors are calculated for various frequencies of deformation. The empirical dependences of the dissipation factor on the frequency in a range of 0.003–0.100 Hz are approximated by Rayleigh damping. The coefficients of variation and determination are calculated to define conformity between the experiment and model data, the conclusion on the good agreement with the Rayleigh model is made, and the causes of differences between experimental and theoretical results are listed.

The basic European standard for design of buildings and other engineering works, EN 1990 "Basis of structural design", provides alternative design procedures, for which national choice is allowed. One of the most important questions concerns three fundamental combinations of actions for persistent and transient design situations in the Ultimate limit states. Simple examples of reinforced concrete elements show, that the alternative load combinations may lead to considerably different reliability levels. Probabilistic methods of structural reliability theory are used to identify characteristic features of each combination and to formulate recommendations. However, further calibration studies are urgently needed in order to prepare National annexes to EN 1990 on time.

Ensuring structural reliability remains a core concern in civil engineering, yet the quantitative effects of quality control measures on material variability and safety margins are not fully understood, especially for materials other than reinforced concrete. This study addresses this gap by presenting a probabilistic framework that integrates Bayesian updating, acceptance sampling, and operating characteristic (OC) curves to model conformity assessment as a probabilistic filter. In doing so, it refines prior distributions of key material and execution parameters based on quality control outcomes, linking reductions in the coefficient of variation directly to adjustments in partial safety factors. Applying the framework to a masonry wall example demonstrates how systematic quality control efforts, particularly those targeting parameters with higher importance such as masonry unit strength and execution quality-produce substantial gains in structural reliability. The analysis shows that combined quality control measures can lower the partial safety factor from a baseline of 1.5 to about 1.38, corresponding to an improvement factor of roughly 1.09 and material savings of approximately 8%. Conversely, controlling parameters with negligible influence, such as mortar properties, provides limited benefit. These findings encourage focusing quality control resources on the most influential parameters and integrating results into semi-probabilistic design methods. By offering a transparent, standards-compatible approach, the framework supports the refinement of design guidelines, promotes more efficient resource allocation, and enhances overall structural safety in the …

The OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) was established on February 1958. The NEA Committee on the Safety of Nuclear Installations (CSNI) is an international committee with broad responsibilities for safety technology and research programs. The CSNI Working Group on Integrity and Ageing of Components and Structures (WGIAGE) has the main mission to advance the current understanding of those aspects relevant to ensuring the integrity of structures, systems and components (SSC) under design and beyond design loads. Within the WGIAGE, the seismic engineering sub-group was initiated in 1996. The sub-group deals with any type of activity relating to the seismic safety of nuclear installations. It covers a large spectrum of topics in the fields of Earth and engineering sciences, in their respective interaction with the seismic safety of nuclear installations. The objective of this paper is to present recent activities of the seismic engineering sub-group, which covers seismic hazard and seismic behavior of civil structures and mechanical equipment. The paper will particularly focus on the main findings and recommendations, based on the lessons learnt from the three fields of activity described above. It will also draw perspectives in connection with the medium-term strategy of the WGIAGE seismic engineering sub-group. The sub-group is especially willing to pursue its continuous effort to develop synergies among earth scientists, geotechnical and structural engineers through periodic workshops focused on these areas. Finally, the sub-group regards the education of new generations as an acute issue in a period when numerous experienced engineers retire. Hence, it strongly encourages training and education activities dedicated to new generations of engineers.

Л.І. Коростильов д.т.н., проф., в.о. зав. кафедри БМ та ККК Національний університет кораблебудування імені адмірала Макарова, Україна, м. Миколаїв Анотація. У роботі представлено обґрунтування вибору методів розрахунку досліджуваної типової суднової балки зі зламом стінки та пояску шляхом аналізу різних моделей, що застосовуються для розрахунку тонкостінних конструкцій. Проаналізовано теорії розрахунку тонкостінних стержнів з метою можливості їх застосування до досліджуваної балки та показана неможливість застосування цих теорій по причині складної депланації пояску в місцях його зламу та на похилій частині суднової балки. Доведено необхідність застосування по крайній мірі оболонкових, а краще об'ємних моделей теорії пружності. Розглянута проблема ефективної ширини вільного пояску викликаної зсувною затримкою та місцевою втратою стійкості. Показано необхідність врахування депланації пояску при визначенні ефективної ширини. Зроблено огляд публікацій присвячених зсувній затримці і ефективній ширині та виявлені основні тенденції в цьому напрямі. Коротко оглянуті основні методи розрахунку стійкості. Захоплені проблеми зварного шва і оптимального проекту-вання тонкостінних зварних балок стосовно досліджуваної балки. Ключові слова: тонкостінна балка, балка зі зламом осі, балка зі зламом стінки і пояску, непризматична балка, I-, H-, T-переріз, двотавр, депланація.

Purpose. In the article the ground of energy method of investigation of stress state of metal beam with abrupt change of web height and girdle is presented to get if possible simple dependencies for effective width of free girdle at inclined region in place of transition of smaller web height to larger one and for optimal design of such beam on the whole, for these dependencies to be applied in simple formulae of strength of materials at engineering calculations using simplified beam and rod models. Method. There is presented on the simple example of plane problem of the theory of elasticity for rectangular plate at action of self-balanced shear external loads on it applied to mutual opposite edges the application of energy method and classic approach for definition of effective width of plate in its middle part, comparison of these methodologies between itself, the discussion and analyzing of findings. Investigations of stress-strain state of plate were provided by finite element method and using analytical solution. Results. There is shown high similarity of dependencies of full elastic energy of plate and effective width of plate on real width, despite these dependencies have different physical nature and units of measure. The particularity of inclined part of free girdle of observed beam is that the plane stress state is not realized completely there, because there is warping of free girdle and as the result complex stress-strain state and that's why classic idea of effective width don't work completely. The circumstance is complicated by the fact that the stress state on upper and lower surfaces of girdle of inclined zone is different, but stress concentration in the place of transition from smaller web height to inclined zone input its correctives into stress state of this field. This circumstance made to look for alternate ways of taking into account of work of girdle on the inclined part. Scientific novelty. It is offered applying of energy method meaning using an elastic energy dependency of a free girdle (or its part) on its geometrical parameters for development of relations of effective width and for optimal design, because elastic energy consider all parts of stress-strain state. Practical importance. The possibility of application of energy method both as auxiliary to classic one and as independent for development of mentioned above relations is shown.

Temporal discounting is a cognitive behavior with important implications in preparing for high-impact and low-probability events. Evaluation of live-load effects has a great influence on the design, maintenance, and rehabilitation of bridges in the US. This study employed statistical methods to evaluate high-impact and low-probability bridge overloading events and proposes a cognitive approach to evaluating live-load factors because stakeholders discount the probability of observing overweight vehicles based on Kahneman and Tversky’s prospect theory. This paper quantified the likelihood of observing extreme weights on bridges from 10 Weigh-In-Motion sites in Georgia using the extreme value theory. A sensitivity analysis showed how predicted live-load factors vary in response to the choice of a threshold or an extreme percentile. Subsequently, the process of predicting maximum live-load factors was validated using another state’s data. It was concluded that a live-load factor is affected by a shape parameter and is numerically quantifiable for each site, and that near-term live-load factors are more salient for preparing bridges for high-risk, low-probability overloading events.

Uncertainties in the structural model and measurement data affect structural condition assessment in practice. As the probabilistic information of these uncertainties lacks, the non-probabilistic interval analysis framework is developed to quantify the interval of the structural element stiffness parameters. According to the interval intersection of the element stiffness parameters in the undamaged and damaged states, the possibility of damage existence is defined based on the reliability theory. A damage measure index is then proposed as the product of the nominal stiffness reduction and the defined possibility of damage existence. This new index simultaneously reflects the damage severity and possibility of damage at each structural component. Numerical and experimental examples are presented to illustrate the validity and applicability of the method. The results show that the proposed method can improve the accuracy of damage diagnosis compared with the deterministic damage identification method.

This paper explores the fundamental role of compaction in ensuring pavement durability and longevity by integrating insights from established civil engineering literature. The background highlights compaction as a critical process that improves soil density, reduces permeability, and enhances the structural integrity of pavement layers. The study addresses the growing concern of early pavement failure linked to poor compaction practices. Drawing from multiple peer-reviewed sources, it outlines the mechanisms of compaction and contrasts them with consolidation, a slower, time-dependent soil behaviour. Methods discussed include traditional Proctor tests, field density measurements, and the application of intelligent compaction (IC) technologies. Key findings from reviewed studies emphasize that achieving optimal compaction, typically 95-100% of maximum dry density, directly improves pavement performance by minimizing deformation, cracking, and water ingress. The paper concludes that integrating innovative technologies, such as GPS-based monitoring and machine-learning-guided rolling patterns can significantly enhance outcomes. The study recommends broader adoption of these techniques and consistent quality control to ensure uniform compaction.

Eurocode 2 is a modern standard that harmonizes structural concrete design across Europe and has been shown in several studies to be more cost-effective than BS8110. This study outlines a structured procedure for designing reinforced concrete columns, beams, slabs, and isolated pad footings using BS8110-1997 and Eurocode 2 within Protastructure software for a three-storey twin two-bedroom residential building. The investigation compares load effects, bending moments, reinforcement requirements, and cost implications to promote sustainable structural design. The structural layout was produced from the building plan, and axes were created and dimensioned using the orthogonal axes generator. All structural components, including their end conditions, were accurately modelled using appropriate tools. Storey operations were applied to insert and edit storeys, while load combinations and model checks ensured reliable results. Analysis and design outputs for loads, moments, reinforcement areas, and costs were recorded and evaluated. Column design showed a 3.9% increase in bending moment under Eurocode 2 depending on load intensity. Beam design, however, demonstrated a 15.6%-17.7% reduction in reinforcement and cost under Eurocode 2, while slab design showed an 11.1% reduction. At higher loads, Eurocode 2 produced small increases of 0.4% in load and 0.1% in moment but resulted in a 54.5% rise in reinforcement and cost. Conversely, lower loads produced a 7.0% reduction in moment and a 36.0% decrease in reinforcement and cost. Overall, the study concludes that Eurocode 2 promotes more sustainable and efficient structural design by optimizing material use and reducing costs, demonstrating its advantages for modern engineering practice.

This study evaluates the structural safety and reliability of a reinforced concrete beam using both deterministic and probabilistic approaches. The probabilistic properties of material strengths and applied loads form the basis for an analytical mean-value assessment and Monte Carlo simulation (MCS). Flexural resistance and demand are computed using standard reinforced concrete beam theory, while structural safety is quantified through a limit state function. The probability of failure is estimated from fundamental probability principles. Beam geometric dimensions are treated as deterministic variables, as construction tolerances (±5-10 mm) are relatively small and well controlled on site compared with the inherent variability of material properties and loads.Results from the analytical mean-value approach indicate that the beam design is structurally safe, with the mean bending resistance exceeding the mean bending demand by a large margin, reflecting a conservative design. However, assessment of the constructed beam using mean values shows only a small reserve capacity, highlighting the limitations of deterministic analysis in capturing uncertainty. Monte Carlo simulation of the design beam demonstrates high reliability, with no failure cases recorded in all thirty simulations and consistently positive limit state values. In contrast, probabilistic analysis of the constructed beam reveals nine failure cases out of thirty simulations, corresponding to a probability of failure of approximately 0.30. These failures occur under unfavourable combinations of high load effects and reduced material strengths and reinforcement areas. The findings demonstrate that while mean-value analysis may classify a beam as safe, probabilistic modelling provides deeper insight into structural reliability and exposes potential risks associated with real construction variability.

Curing is a deliberate regulation of temperature and moisture exchange in concrete to promote the cement's hydration process, essential for achieving the desired properties of concrete. This research investigates the effect of various curing methods and duration on concrete compressive strength development. Two concrete mixes, viz 1:2:4 and 1:3:6 were considered. Fresh concrete was cast into steel moulds of 150 mm x150 mm x150mm with a total of 96 cubes casted and were subjected to various curing conditions, including Complete Immersion in Water, Gunny Bag, Sprinkling.

This study focuses on the influential factors that enhance the reliability and versatility of structure throughout the life span. The factors are considered on the basis of the need for assessment of state of –art- structural analysis and design. Through investigation the researcher found that there are two most influential factors are repeatedly influencing the life of structure. The two factors are structural elements and loading patterns. Structural elements are identified on the basis of structure height, span, bays, percentage of shear wall, ratio of structural and non- structural panels to total number of panels and type of frame. The loading pattern investigated on the serviceability limit of structural components.

For the characterization and normalization of timber structures performance, in particular of timber bridges, the structural effects of importance for its satisfactory performance must be determined. That is, the reliability. Usually to estimate the reliability of these systems, reliability index are used based on the actions and strength and considering the states limits method. The reliability index determination is done using statistical models that represent the structures behavior in service as a function of the structural systems most used in practice. This determination is essential, because these values contemplate in the evaluation of the consequences of the structural rupture. Therefore the objective of this work is to determine the timber bridges reliability of simple round beams being used the reliability index, considering only two random variables the actions and strength. To test the application of the considered procedure, a study of the reliability in a system of ti...

Strong motion obtained in instrumental short-span bridges show the importance of the abutments in the dynamic response of the whole structure. Many models have been used in order to take into account the influence of pier foundations although no reliable ones have been used to analyse the abutment performance. In this work three-dimensional Boundary Element models in frequency domain have been proposed and dimensionless dynamic stiffness of standard bridge abutments have been obtained.

We employ a new stochastic methodology for the construction of surrogate models for uncertainty quantification (UQ) and sensitivity analysis (SA). It is based on polynomial dimensional decomposition (PDD), as are widely used in solving high-dimensional stochastic problems that arise in various applications. In our approach, the coefficients of the PDD expansion are determined by using a least-squares regression (LSR). Compared to a projection approach, the use of LSR not only avoids the computation of high-dimensional integrals, but also affords an attractive flexibility in choosing the sampling points, which facilitates importance sampling using a calibrated posterior distribution based on a Bayesian approach. LSR can be particularly advantageous in cases where the asymptotic convergence properties of polynomial expansions cannot be realized due to computation expense, focusing effort on efficient finite-resolution sampling. To efficiently include parameter spaces with a moderate number of uncertain parameters (up to 7 in this work), the PDD is coupled with an adaptive ANOVA (analysis of variance) decomposition. This provides an accurate surrogate as the union of several low-dimensional spaces, avoiding the typical computational overhead cost of a high-dimensional expansion. In addition, the PDD representation of the ANOVA component functions is further simplified in an adaptive way according to the relative contribution of the different polynomials to the variance. The overall methodology is demonstrated on plasma-mediated ignition simulations as part of a large predictive science effort in the Center for Exascale Simulation of Plasma-Coupled Combustion (XPACC). The specific configuration we study includes model parameters arising from reaction rates in a global chemical kinetics description, and a laser-induced breakdown ignition seed.

Safety analysis in the companies is an important issue besides the quality, productivity and profitability. Safety integrity function in many industries is based on safety instrumented systems. Uncertainty is the main problem of safety analysis. In this paper, a new mathematical model is developed to compute the probability of failure on demand (PFD) following the three steps. First, KHALFI (Characteristics of Hazard Analysis based on Logic Frequency Initiative) mathematical model is formulated to identify the real PFD at any geographical location considering five intermediate factors: temperature, humidity, pressure, wind speed and time which can affect the PFD. Second, probability binary state (PROBIST) is used to precise the values of PFD. Third, Bowtie method is employed to carry out the safety analysis for examining the safety of some scenarios by determining the PFD of safeguards, where new classification for the safety integrity level is proposed. Finally, Simulink model is d...

Розв'язано задачу розробки методичного забезпечення для моделювання мехатронних систем на структурному і функціональному рівнях абстракції. Об'єктом дослідження був процес моделювання мехатронних систем і систем автоматизованого управління. Предмет дослідження складають програми інжинірингу і автоматизованого проектування технічних систем, універсальні математичні процесори (CAE, CAD и CAS-системи відповідно). Ціль роботи: підвищити ефективність процесу прийняття рішень по вибору оптимального програмного і математичного забезпечення для моделювання мехатронних систем інженерами-електронниками. Дослідження мехатронних систем дозволили виявити їх особливості як мультидоменних об'єктів, і загальні риси -як підсистем автоматизованого управління, на основі чого сформовані основні вимоги до програм моделювання. Аналіз математичного і програмного забезпечення CAE, CAD і CAS та експерименти по моделінгу й симуляції при каузальному і мультидоменному підходах, дозволили визначити критерії для порівняльного аналізу та сформувати рекомендації по вибору програми для моделювання, оптимальної для досягнення визначених цілей дослідження мехатронних систем. На основі аналізу програм, розроблено універсальну методику моделювання та оптимізації мехатронних систем в циклі їхнього автоматизованого проектування. Ключові слова: мехатроніка, системи автоматичного управління, моделінг, симуляція, методика моделювання. BG -bond graph; CAE -Computer Aided Engineering; CAS -Computer Algebra System; ЕCAD -Electronics Computer Aided Design; МCAD -Mechanical Computer Aided Design; delta -відхилення поточного положення «вхід -» від уставки «вхід +»; h_value -поточне положення штока клапана; S_value -площа просвіту поточного вікна клапана; Win -частота обертання ведучої шестерні редуктора; Wout -частота обертання веденої шестерні редуктора; ДС -динамічна система; ММ -математична модель; МС -мехатронна система; ПЗ -програмне забезпечення; САР -система автоматичного регулювання; САУ -система автоматичного управління; ТАУ -теорія автоматичного управління; ФП -функціональний перетворювач. Електронні пристрої часто використовуються в мехатронних системах, які здатні забезпечувати рух виконавчого органу під керуючими впливами електронної системи управління. МС є синергетичним поєднанням механічної підсистеми та підсистем силової й інформаційної електроніки, отже, при проектуванні МС необхідно використовувати принципи системотехніки, при одночасному детальному аналізі фізичних явищ в кожній з підсистем. Зрозуміло, що такий аналіз вимагає притягнення інженерів із відповідних галузей, але на верхньому рівні абстракції, МС можна представити системою автоматичного регулювання, або управління, проектуванням якої можуть займатися інженери з електронної техніки. Специфічний погляд на МС, як на об'єкти досліджень та моделювання для спеціаліста з електроніки представлений в даній статті. Моделювання МС вимагає використання програмного забезпечення, що здатне забезпечити дослідження

The objective of bridge management is to allocate and use the limited resources to balance lifetime reliability and life-cycle cost in an optimal manner. As the 20th century has drawn to a close, it is appropriate to reflect on the birth and growth of bridge management systems, to examine where they are today, and to predict their future. In this paper, it is attempted to shed some light on the past, present, and future of life-cycle management of highway bridges. It is shown that current bridge management systems have limitations and that these limitations can be overcome by using a reliability-based approach. It is concluded that additional research is required to develop better life-cycle models and tools to quantify the risks, costs, and benefits associated with highway bridges as well as their interrelationships in highway networks.

This paper presents the methodology of the reliability analysis of the fire resistance of the steel structure of the cable way in NPP. The elastic and plastic solution of the steel structure under fire loads is discussed. The deterministic and probability analysis of the fire resistance of the steel structures are considered. The executed fire resistance analysis of the steel structures is investigated as the influence of temperature, permanent and variable loads. A Response Surface Method (RSM) for the nonlinear analysis of the fire structure reliability was used on program ANSYS. The advantages and disadvantages of the deterministic and probabilistic analysis of the fire safety are discussed.

The Structural health monitoring (SHM) is a method to safeguard the integrity of metallic components or component assemblies during service. This process involves a continuous or periodic measurement, the extraction or selection of degradation-relevant data and the statistical analysis to determine the actual state of the system condition. Acoustic emission (AE) monitoring detects and locates potential defects in plant components like piping and pressure vessels. An essential advantage of acoustic emission is that it allows assessing the components regarding evolving defects, leaks or even active corrosion during operation. Therefore, acoustic emission qualifies excellently as a tool for structural health monitoring. The sensors of the monitoring system have to be mounted at preselected positions of the metallic structure and a tailored data analysis programme evaluates the incoming signals to provide a reliable statement regarding the structural health. Individually designed alarm ...

Modern science successfully models particles, forces, and fields, yet continues to face unresolved gaps between physical law, the emergence of life, and the persistence of identity across time. The Universal Continuity Continuum (UCC) reframes the universe as a single, continuous system governed by delay, selection, memory, and union—constraints under which structure, matter, life, and selfhood naturally emerge.

This explainer presents a unified, non-reductive account of cosmic evolution: from raw light to matter, from matter to living systems, and from living systems to enduring continuity. Without invoking mysticism, consciousness-as-fundamental, or teleology, it demonstrates how known physical processes scale into biological, cognitive, and ethical domains through invariant continuity constraints. The result is a coherent framework that preserves empirical rigor while clarifying structural relationships underlying long-standing paradoxes.

This study assesses the structural resilience of bridge piers under cyclic and impact loading, including vehicular collisions and seismic events, with a focus on stress-strain behavior, deflection patterns, and fatigue damage. A comprehensive analysis is conducted using experimental testing, computational simulations in ANSYS software, and theoretical modeling. The results indicate that bridge piers remain structurally sound under design loads of up to 850 kN, even after multiple load cycles. However, beyond this threshold, failure occurs within a few cycles, with concrete reaching a failure strain of 0.0035, transferring the load to steel reinforcement. Under extreme loading conditions, such as 4500 kN, the stress exceeds the designed compressive strength of M35 concrete, indicating potential structural failure. Fatigue analysis reveals minimal risks at loads up to 1500 kN but significant risks at higher loads, where the cycle life decreases sharply. The findings highlight the crucial role of steel reinforcement in maintaining structural integrity beyond the concrete failure strain. This study emphasizes the necessity of designing bridge piers to withstand both impact and cyclic loading, particularly at higher loads, to enhance structural resilience and safety. The results contribute to the development of improved bridge design guidelines, focusing on optimized load distribution and reinforcement strategies to mitigate the risk of catastrophic failure. This work provides valuable insights for designing safer and more durable bridge infrastructure, addressing both immediate and long-term structural performance challenges.

Національний університет «Львівська політехніка», Україна Анотація. У статті розглянуті основні проблеми створення кіберфізичних систем. Запропоновано новий підхід до проєктування оптимізованих структур кіберфізичних систем підбором необхідних елементів бібліотеки з використанням генетичного алгоритму.

Design principles and microelectronic parts of sensor devices signal transducers (including thermo-magneto-, photo- measuring converters) meeting requirements of up-to-date low-voltage energy-efficient apparatus driven and fed through USB port are considered. It is shown that such sensors in order to providing high technical characteristics have to have possibility of high-precision functional transductions at low-voltage unipolar supply source (5 V or less), consume small power (tens of mW or less) and be compatible with USB interface.