Explain the difference of factor of safety used in civil engineering context and mechanical engineering context

Question

Accepted Answer

Factor of safety differs in civil and mechanical engineering contexts

In civil engineering, factor of safety is used to ensure the safety of structures and materials under loads and stresses
In mechanical engineering, factor of safety is used to ensure the safety of mechanical components and systems under loads and stresses
Civil engineering typically uses a higher factor of safety than mechanical engineering
For example, a bridge may have a factor of safety of 2.0 in civil engineering, while a mechanical component may have a factor of safety of 1.5
Civil engineering also considers environmental factors such as earthquakes and wind loads in determining factor of safety

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