Analysis of probability of failure of prestressed concrete beams

Abstract

Paper presents prediction of probability of failure of prestressed concrete beams. Probable strengths of basic materials used in the beam are generated as random variables subject to code specifications and the probability of failure of the beam is obtained through explicit formulation. Probability of failure of beams designed by Indian code of practice and code of American Concrete Institute is illustrated through a set of examples. It is found that the probability of failure of a prestressed concrete beam is very sensitive to variation of steel and less sensitive to the variation in the strength of concrete.