Reliability-based design (RBD) procedures for engineered structures are being developed and quickly gaining acceptance by cade agencies throughout the world. Numerous organizations are involved in the development of national or regional cades without the benefit of interchange of ideas and methodologies. Harmonization and coordination of these activities is absolutely essential if the ever-increasing international commerce is to flourish. This NATO Advanced Research Workshop (ARW) was organized to bring together, for the first time, experts on RBD and related subjects from various countries to assess the current knowledge and recommend new developments. Further, due to their unique nature and great economic significance in most parts of the world, special emphasis was placed on engineered wood structures. For example, in North America more wood products are used in construction than ali other materials (steel, concrete, brick, etc.) combined. However, the wood industry segment, historically, receives less attention and smaller financial support for new developments than other construction materials. RBD developments are being conducted in Similar, but largely independent, Europe, North America, New Zealand and Australia. Experts from these regions were brought together to exchange information on current work, propose new developments and to provide means of international coordination. Thus, this ARW provided an opportunity to advance the cause of RBD of engineered wood structures.

Zusammenfassung
Proceedings of the NATO Advanced Research Workshop, Florence, Italy, June 2-5, 1991

Inhalt
Status of Reliability-Based Design in North America: Impact for Engineered Wood Construction.- Fundamentals of Reliability Assessments.- Reliability Assessment of Multi-Member Structures.- Material Characteristics and Reliability-Based Design.- The Development of LSD Codes for Structural Timber.- Safety Format of Eurocode 5.- Lifetime of Wood as Related to Strength Distribution.- Probabilistic Based Safety Factors in The Netherlands.- GROUP A: Fundamentals of Reliability Assessment.- GROUP B: Reliability Assessment of Multi-Member Structures.- GROUP C: Material Resistance Considerations.- GROUP D: Global Harmonization of Timber Engineering Codes and Standards.- Summary and Conclusion.- Programme, Timetable and Organization.- List of Attendees.- Working Group Assignments.