Probabilistic Analysis of Interaction of Atmospheric Icing with Wind

Climatic actions are correlated with each other as they are generated by phenomena related to the physics of the atmosphere. However, this correlation is poorly reflected in codified rules for their combinations. This is why the partial factors and other reliability elements provided in CEN and CENELEC standards for specific types of structures such as masts, towers, and chimneys - sensitive to the effects of climatic actions - are analysed using probabilistic methods. Currently valid and new drafts of prescriptive documents are considered in this study. It appears that the application of recommended values of partial factors for design of these structures may lead to a significantly lower reliability level than that accepted for other types of structures. The reliability elements should be calibrated against specified target reliability levels for different consequence categories of structures. Obtained low reliability levels might suggest that the design procedures could involve some "hidden safeties" that will be investigated within further research.

Keywords: Climatic actions, Interactions, Partial factors, Target reliability level, Masts, Towers.

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