Structural reliability is a key research area within the Structural Mechanics Group at NTNU, focusing on safe and sustainable structural design through risk assessment, probabilistic modeling, and decision-making in structural engineering. The research integrates structural reliability theory, Bayesian methods, and risk-informed design approaches to improve the resilience and efficiency of built infrastructure.

Research Focus

Work in this field addresses a wide range of topics, including:

• Risk-based structural design – Developing methods to balance safety, cost, and sustainability in engineering decisions.
• Structural reliability and probabilistic modeling – Enhancing design methodologies through uncertainty quantification and advanced statistical approaches.
• Climate change mitigation and adaptation – Investigating how evolving environmental conditions impact risk acceptance criteria and structural performance.
• Eurocode development and standardization – Contributing to the ongoing revision of the Eurocodes, ensuring that safety and sustainability considerations are integrated into future structural design standards.

International Collaboration

Structural reliability research at NTNU is closely connected to leading international networks and standardization bodies, including:

• The Joint Committee on Structural Safety (JCSS) – Advancing methodologies for structural risk assessment and reliability-based design.
• The International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering (IABSE) – Contributing to the development of best practices in structural safety and resilience.
• The International Federation for Structural Concrete (fib) – Engaging in research on sustainable concrete structures and performance-based design.

Impact and Applications

This research plays a crucial role in shaping the future of structural engineering through contributions to international codes and standards, risk governance frameworks, and sustainability-driven design practices. The aim is to provide decision-makers with scientifically sound and practically feasible solutions to enhance the resilience and sustainability of infrastructure in the face of climate change and evolving societal demands.