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Probability computations in civil engineering

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Course Unit Code228-0313/01
Number of ECTS Credits Allocated5 ECTS credits
Type of Course Unit *Compulsory
Level of Course Unit *Second Cycle
Year of Study *First Year
Semester when the Course Unit is deliveredSummer Semester
Mode of DeliveryFace-to-face
Language of InstructionCzech
Prerequisites and Co-Requisites Course succeeds to compulsory courses of previous semester
Name of Lecturer(s)Personal IDName
KRE13prof. Ing. Martin Krejsa, Ph.D.
LEH061Ing. Petr Lehner, Ph.D.
Summary
In this subject Probability computations in civil engineering, students learn theoretical background and practical information about probabilistic assessment of load-carrying structures. For that purpose, they should master the probability and structure reliability theories. The key feature of the probabilistic method is that it is possible to express variability of input quantities in a stochastic (probabilistic) form, for instance, by histograms. Unlike the applicable standards and procedures which are based on deterministic expression of input quantities (using a single value – a constant), the probabilistic methods provide more precise reliability assessment and improved safety for those who use the buildings and structures.
Learning Outcomes of the Course Unit
The aim of the course Probabilistic Calculations in Civil Engineering is to deepen knowledge in the field of probability theory and mathematical statistics and their application in solving selected problems in construction using computer technology and available software.
Course Contents
1. Introduction to the course: Probability calculations in civil engineering, examples of selected calculations.
2. Introduction to probability theory and mathematical statistics: Basic concepts and principles of the theory of probability theory and mathematical statistics, random phenomenon, probability of random phenomenon, statistical moments.
3. Probabilistic expression of random variables: Random variable, nonparametric (empirical) probability distribution, histogram.
4. Monte Carlo method: Inclusion of the Monte Carlo method into a list of probability methods, Monte Carlo history, Buffon\'s needle, the first systematic use of the Monte Carlo method. Law of large numbers, generators (pseudo) of random numbers. Numerical integration with the Monte Carlo method. An illustrative example of elemental calculation using the Monte Carlo method.
5. Simulation Based Reliability Assessment (SBRA): Insertion of the SBRA method into the overview of probability methods, SBRA simulation method, probability computation by SBRA (random quantities, computational model, reliability function analysis), illustrative examples of probability calculations by SBRA.
6. Parametric probability distribution of a continuous random variable: Overview of important continuous probability distribution, Gaussian probability distribution, logarithmic-normal probability distribution, coefficient of determination.
7. Statistical dependence of input random variables: Correlation and correlation coefficient, correlation matrix. Double and triple histogram.
8. Stratified and Advanced Simulation Methods: Incorporating stratified and advanced simulation methods into a list of probability methods. Latin Hypercube Sampling - LHS, the principle of the method and its application. Method of Importance sampling.
9. Approximation methods: FORM and SORM methods. Response surface method.
10. Direct Optimized Probabilistic Computation - DOProC I.: Incorporation of the Direct Optimized Probability Computation Method into the overview of probability methods, substance of the method, basic computational algorithm, DOProC method application in ProbCalc programming system, demonstration of calculation.
11. Direct Optimized Probabilistic Computation - DOProC II.: Optimization techniques in DOProC method, theoretical principles of individual optimization techniques, examples of calculation using individual optimization procedures, recommended optimization techniques utilization in probability calculations by DOProC method.
12. Direct Optimized Probabilistic Computation - DOProC III.: Demonstrations of application software using the DOProC method.
13. Reliability and safety of building structures: Probabilistic approach to assessment of reliability and safety of building structures, calculation of probability of failure: load effect, resistance of the structure, computational model, reliability function, reliability index, target probability. Design working life of a structure.
14. Sample examples of selected probability tasks.
Recommended or Required Reading
Required Reading:
1. Robert E. Melchers, Andre T. Beck, Structural Reliability Analysis and Prediction (3rd Edition), 528 pages, 2018, ISBN-13: 978-1119265993, ISBN-10: 1119265991.
2. TeReCo: Probabilistic Assessment of Structures using Monte Carlo Simulation, Background, Exercises and Software. Textbook and CD-ROM. ÚTAM AV ČR, Praha 2003. 2nd edition. ISBN 80-86246-19-1.
1. Krejsa M., Konečný P.: Spolehlivost a bezpečnost staveb VŠB-TU Ostrava, 2011.
2. Teplý T., Novák D.: Spolehlivost stavebních konstrukcí, CERM Brno 2004, ISBN 80-214-2577-6.
Recommended Reading:
1. Anthony J. Hayter, Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists (4th Edition), 864 pages, 2012, ISBN-13: 978-1111827045, ISBN-10: 1111827044.
2. O. Ditlevsen and H.O. Madsen: Structural Reliability Methods, Technical University of Denmark, 2005.
1. Robert E. Melchers, Andre T. Beck, Structural Reliability Analysis and Prediction (3rd Edition), 528 pages, 2018, ISBN-13: 978-1119265993, ISBN-10: 1119265991.
2. Holický M., Marková J.: Základy teorie spolehlivosti a hodnocení rizik, ČVUT Praha 2005, ISBN 80-01-03129-2.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
Lectures, Tutorials
Assesment methods and criteria
Task TitleTask TypeMaximum Number of Points
(Act. for Subtasks)
Minimum Number of Points for Task Passing
Credit and ExaminationCredit and Examination100 (100)51
        CreditCredit35 18
        ExaminationExamination65 30