Limit state-based safety studies

Abstract

Limit states are criteria used in safety studies to measure whether a structure reaches undesired states in which its intended functions fail to perform. By nature, the limit states of a structure involve geometric and/or material nonlinearities. Various methodologies for conducting limit state analyses of structural elements or their system structures are available. This chapter presents the fundamentals of limit states, and monitoring, assessment and prediction of structural health condition in association with structural integrity and longevity.