Reliability analysis using load-resistance analysis

The resistance or strength of a component is defined as the ability of the component to accomplish its required mission satisfactorily without a failure when subjected to an external stress. Stress is the loading of the component, which may be a mechanical load, an environmental exposure, a flow rate, temperature fluctuation, etc. The stress or loading tends to cause failure of the component. When the strength of the component is less than the stress imposed on it, the failure occurs. This type of analysis can be applied to the reliability analysis of components of water distribution systems, which is the subject of this chapter. Subjects covered include static reliability analysis, reliability calculations, dynamic reliability analysis, and others.