Innovation Reduces Risk for Sustainable Infrastructure

Abstract

Society and standards require more and more “risk-informed” decisions. The paper demonstrates the potential of reducing risk by implementing reliability and risk concepts as a complement to conventional analyses. Reliability evaluations can range from qualitative estimates, simple statistical evaluations to full quantitative probabilistic modelling of the hazards and consequences. The paper first introduced recent innovative developments that help reduce risk. Risk assessment and risk management are briefly touched upon. An example of the application of the new stress testing method is given. The usefulness of the seminal (1969) Observational Method is discussed. The need for developing sustainable and holistic civil engineering solutions is also briefly mentioned. The paper concludes that reliability-based approaches provide useful complementary information, and enable the analysis of complex uncertainties in a systematic and more complete manner than deterministic analyses alone. There is today a cultural shift in the approach for design and risk reduction in our profession. Reliability and risk-based approaches will assist preparing sustainable engineering recommendations and making risk-informed decisions.