Title: Validation of Adequate Safety

Author(s): Marco Arduini, Antonio Nanni, and Renato Parretti

Publication: Concrete International

Volume: 25

Issue: 12

Appears on pages(s): 69-75

Keywords: Load test; design; Italy; safety factor; diagnostics; fiber reinforced polymer (FRP); prestress

DOI:

Date: 12/1/2003

Abstract:
According to the Italian building code, all new reinforced concrete, prestressed concrete, and steel structures having significant structural importance must be load tested in-place to certify their safety prior to occupation or usage. This article presents two existing structures that were load tested to assess their structural capacity and determine their safety factors (the ratio between the ultimate nominal capacity and the service load capacity of the structure).