Risk and Reliability in Engineering

2023/2024

Recommended prerequisite for participation in the module

The module builds on knowledge gained in Probability Theory and Statistics

Content, progress and pedagogy of the module

Learning objectives

Knowledge

  • Understand the concepts risk, uncertainty, reliability and safety.
  • Know statistical methods for modeling physical, model, statistical and measurement uncertainties.
  • Know methods for assessment of reliability of structural systems using probabilistic methods.
  • Know methods for systems reliability for non-structural components and its applications in engineering.

Skills

  • Be able to model physical, statistical, model and measurement uncertainties.
  • Be able to use failure rates and hazard functions to model failures in systems reliability for non-structural components.
  • Be able to model uncertainties for loads and strengths.
  • Be able to estimate the reliability by FORM/SORM methods (reliability index method) and by simulation.
  • Be able to model system behavior and estimate the reliability of series and parallel systems.
  • Understand basic concepts of stochastic processes and time-variant reliability methods.
  • Be able to estimate characteristic and design values for strength parameters and load bearing capacities, and for environmental loads and load effects using test data and measurements.
  • Be able to calibrate partial safety factors and load combination factors.
  • Be able to apply Bayesian statistical methods.
  • Be able to apply  risk and reliability methods for probabilistic design of engineering structures such as buildings, bridges, offshore structures, costal structures, wind turbines etc.
  • Use correct professional terminology.

Competences

  • Be able to participate in a dialog on modelling of uncertainties, risk analysis and assessment of reliability of structural and non-structural components and systems.
  • Be able to model, calculate and communicate risk analysis, modelling of uncertainties and assessment of reliabilities for engineering problems.

Type of instruction

Lectures, etc. supplemented with project work, workshops, presentation seminars, lab tests.

Extent and expected workload

Since it is a 5 ECTS project module, the workload is expected to be 150 hours for the student.

Exam

Exams

Name of examRisk and Reliability in Engineering
Type of exam
Written or oral exam
Individual oral or written exam
ECTS5
Assessment7-point grading scale
Type of gradingInternal examination
Criteria of assessmentThe criteria of assessment are stated in the Examination Policies and Procedures

Facts about the module

Danish titleRisiko og sikkerhed af konstruktioner
Module codeB-BK-K2A-9
Module typeCourse
Duration1 semester
SemesterSpring
ECTS5
Language of instructionEnglish
Empty-place SchemeYes
Location of the lectureCampus Aalborg
Responsible for the module

Organisation

Education ownerMaster of Science (MSc) in Engineering (Structural and Civil Engineering)
Study BoardStudy Board of Built Environment
DepartmentDepartment of the Built Environment
FacultyThe Faculty of Engineering and Science