Risk balancing in structural problems

A balanced-risk design is one in which the risks of failure in different modes are balanced against one another in such a way that the total risk is minimised, for a fixed overall safety expenditure. The problem is formulated in general terms. It is then simplified, and expressed in terms of readily-understood quantities so that the process is as transparent as possible. Its simplicity makes it usable on a spreadsheet. The technique is primarily applicable at the rough early design stage of a structural project. Examples of application are given in the areas of preliminary bridge and fire design and the importance of sensitivity studies is demonstrated. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.