Uncertainties in the building process

Load and resistance have to be treated as random variables because of natural and man-made uncertainties. Statistical parameters, i.e. bias factors and coefficients of variation, are presented for natural effects of dead load, live load for buildings and bridges, and environmental loads. Man-made effects are more difficult to quantify as they include also human errors. For resistance, the uncertainties are considered as a combination of three factors: material, fabrication and professional. The statistical parameters are shown for structural steel, reinforced concrete, and prestressed concrete. These parameters allow for calculation of the reliability indices for structural components and assessment of the effect of uncertainties in load and resistance on the structural safety.