On the treatment of uncertainties in structural mechanics and analysis

In this paper the need for a rational treatment of uncertainties in structural mechanics and analysis is reasoned. It is shown that the traditional deterministic conception can be easily extended by applying statistical and probabilistic concepts. The so-called Monte Carlo simulation procedure is the key for those developments, as it allows the straightforward use of the currently used deterministic analysis procedures. A numerical example exemplifies the methodology. It is concluded that uncertainty analysis may ensure robust predictions of variability, model verification, safety assessment, etc.