Stochastic modelling of extreme action events in structural engineering

The design for extreme actions, like impact and explosions, should ideally be based on advanced mechanics in combination with risk analysis and decision making principles. In present practice, however, the design for these important actions is often too simple and quite unsatisfactory. For instance, in the case of truck or ship impact loading on buildings and bridges, the design is often based on a simple static and linear structural analysis. In this article some recent research work has been presented in the field of the probabilistic modelling of impact by trucks and ships. In addition attention has been given to the subject of the acceptance criteria which are of more than average concern for extreme action events.