Abstract:
Structural Eurocodes introduce an important concept, the “structural reliability”. The Albanian
code “KTP – Kushtet Teknike të Projektimit”, does not define this term. From this, several
difficulties might arise, ranging from the basic understanding of Eurocodes to the practical use of
them, including important aspects such as “the determination of partial factors” into the National
Annex of a country adopting Eurocodes. The partial factors have a considerable influence on
safety and economy, which is the reason why they have historically had and continue to have a
sort of political and strategic background.
This paper introduces some aspects of Structural Reliability through a study focused on concrete
strength. Test results from already built structures in Tirana have been used for this purpose.
How “reliable” are the structures being designed in Albania using the partial factor method with
the recommended partial factors? The answer is not easy; a very large number of tests is needed
in order to make an assessment towards the answer. Trying to give a contribution to this matter,
this paper describes the results obtained for a reinforced concrete beam when structural
reliability concepts are considered explicitly in design. Comparison is made with the structural
analysis using the partial factors recommended in Eurocode, with focus on partial factor for
concrete.
