Statistical representation of design parameters for hurricane risk reduction structures

This paper presents the results of a review of the state-of-the-art for characterizing the uncertainty in geotechnical, structural, and hydraulic variables required for performing reliability analysis of hurricane risk reduction structures. For geotechnical design parameters, values of coefficient of variation (COV) are presented. For structural design parameters, values for bias factors and COVs are presented for material strengths, fabricated dimensions, and uncertainty in analysis models. The tabulations of statistical data assembled and the recommendations presented are built around the governing equations that form the basis of current design methodologies and commercial off-the-shelf software, using a hurricane risk reduction T-wall as a basis. This approach permits the data presented to be used for both a production-oriented model for use on multiple structures in larger systems as well as highly-specialized numerical and finite element models for individual structures of interest. This paper adds to the existing body of knowledge by providing a single source for multi-discipline statistical data required to conduct reliability analysis on hurricane risk reduction and, more generally, other structures that resist lateral loads through soil–structure interaction.