On Mathematical Descriptions of Uncertain Parameters in Engineering Structures

Abstract

Civil engineering is one of the many fields of occurrences of uncertain parameters. The present paper in an attempt to present and describe the most common methods used for inclusions of uncertain parameters. These methods can be applied in the area of civil engineering as well as for a larger domain. Definitions and short explanations of methods based on probability, interval analysis, fuzzy sets, and convex sets are presented. Selected advantages, disadvantages, and the most common fields of implementation are indicated.

Keywords

• uncertainty
• convex set
• interval
• probability
• fuzzy set