ABSTRACT
The increasingly complex structural systems and infrastructure requires updated design procedures and frequently utilizes various simulation tools, including nonlinear Finite Element Method. In majority of the current design codes, however, the safety formats are not optimized for probabilistic global nonlinear analysis. The assessment based on numerical simulations and global safety formats, such as introduced in the Model Code 2010, on the other hand, introduces potentially higher model uncertainties and the model validation becomes an important requirement for its application and engineering practice. On the example of reinforced concrete columns the application of design verification by nonlinear stochastic analysis will be shown and the important consequences discussed. Furthermore, respective safety formats and performance indicators will be discussed in a general framework of consistent safety and performance margin.
