Coastal Structures Design Taking Into Consideration the Consequences of Possible Failures

Abstract

Coastal structures are usually designed under the assumption that if all their elements present a probability of failure not exceeding a specified limit, the structures are sufficiently safe to dispense with the consideration of the consequences of their possible modes and degrees of failure.As absolute safety is impossible to achieve, designers should render safer the elements which eventual failure will bring more serious consequences. Without having to be costlier, structures designed In accordance to such attitude can be expected to fail in less inconvenient ways and, therefore, to render a better service in the long run.