The need for a comprehensive book on probabilistic structural mechanics that brings together the many analytical and computational methods developed over the years and their applications in a wide spectrum of industries-from residential buildings to nuclear power plants, from bridges to pressure vessels, from steel structures to ceramic structures-became evident from the many discussions the editor had with practising engineers, researchers and professors. Because no single individual has the expertise to write a book with such a di.verse scope, a group of 39 authors from universities, research laboratories, and industries from six countries in three continents was invited to write 30 chapters covering the various aspects of probabilistic structural mechanics. The editor and the authors believe that this handbook will serve as a reference text to practicing engineers, teachers, students and researchers. It may also be used as a textbook for graduate-level courses in probabilistic structural mechanics. The editor wishes to thank the chapter authors for their contributions. This handbook would not have been a reality without their collaboration.

Introduction; Stress-strength interference method; First- order and second-order reliability methods; Simulation-based reliability methods; Probabilistic finite element method; Probabilistic fracture mechanics; Probabilistic fatigue analysis; Probabilistic analysis of structural systems; Probabilistic structural mechanics in system and plant risk assessment; Human errors and structural reliability; Nondestructive examination reliability; Expert opinion in probabilistic structural mechanics; Fuzzy sets in probabilistic structural mechanics; Neural networks in probabilistic structural mechanics; Probability-based design codes; Reliability-based optimum structural design; Risk-based inspection and maintenance; Probability-based life prediction; Seismic risk assessment; Extreme-wind risk assessment; Applications in nuclear power plant structures; Applications in pressure vessels and piping; Applications in aircraft structures; Applications in ship structures; Applications in offshore structures; Applications in bridges; Applications in steel structures; Applications in concrete structures; Applications in timber structures; Applications in ceramic structures; Index.