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Design basis 

It is important to prepare a coherent and sufficient design basis for a project to achieve a safe and functional structure at the required quality.

Preparation of design basis for specific projects

COWI can provide planning, collection and evaluation of basis information as e.g. geotechnical conditions, environmental loads and functional requirements. Based upon our wide experience with structural design the basis information is converted into site and project specific design specifications.

Codes & Standards

The design basis can be developed to comply with current international standards e.g. EuroCode AASHTO & British Standards.

Calibration

COWI can calibrate design specifications to the safety level of reference standards for loads, load cases, structural systems and materials not covered in the reference standard. Data are collected and interpreted and stochastic models developed for the design parameters for use in probabilistic analyses as required.

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Re-evaluation of existing structures

Application of probabilistic models can be useful for evaluation of the load carrying capacity of existing structures and updating the evaluation in accordance with observations and measurements to improve the utilisation of the structural capacity. This may be relevant both for increased loads and for damaged structures.