Title: Target structural reliability in life cycle consideration

Authors: Jun Kanda, Tsuyoshi Takada, Hang Choi

Addresses: Institute of Environmental Studies, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5, Kashiwano-ha, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-8563, Japan. ' Graduate School of Engineering, Institute of Environmental Studies, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan. ' GS E&C Corporation, GS Tower 22F, 679 Yeoksam-Dong, Gangnam-Gu, Seoul 135-985, Korea

Abstract: The concept of minimising life cycle cost can be rationally applied to determine a target reliability of structures. However, there has been a recent legal requirement to reduce CO₂ emissions, therefore, the minimisation of life cycle CO₂ emission could be an alternative approach in structural design. This paper explains the general formulae for deciding the optimum reliability by minimising the total life cycle cost and the amount of CO₂ emission in the structure|s lifetime, and also shows that these formulae can be applied to decision making for the cost-benefit problem related to seismic strengthening of structures. Additionally, the role of the engineer is discussed, reflecting the current situation in Japan.

Keywords: disaster mitigation; carbon dioxide emissions; life cycle costing; optimum reliability; risk communication; structural safety; structural reliability; risk assessment; risk management; structural design; built environment; decision making; Japan.

DOI: 10.1504/IJRAM.2007.014663

International Journal of Risk Assessment and Management, 2007 Vol.7 No.6/7, pp.846 - 861

Published online: 23 Jul 2007 *

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