Reliability of metal-clad, low-rise, low-pitch roofs subjected to wind loads

The reliability of cladding fixings and batten-rafter connections on low-pitched roofs of metal-clad, low-rise buildings in cyclonic regions of Queensland in Australia are determined using probability concepts. Probability models of wind load and component resistance are combined to estimate the probability of failure of cladding fixings and batten-rafter connections and their combinations, for a range of wind speeds. At the ultimate limit state wind speed of 70 mls the combined probability of failure in both modes is about 10.6%, of which cladding fixing and batten-rafter connection failures are about 10.5% and less than 0.2% respectively, equivalent to a safety index, ~ = 1.25. This reliability is lower than the general reliability for primary structural components