Generation and use of standardised load spectra and load-time histories

For this purpose standardised load-time histories have been developed for 30 years since it has been recognised that the use of standardised load-time histories provides a series of advantages-both for studies of a more generic nature and practical applications. The present paper deals with this topic. Starting from an overview on standardised load-time histories available at present, it details the principles applied for collection and analysis of appropriate load data, assessment of operating profiles and generation of the respective load spectra and sequences. The principles may also serve as guidelines for those cases where new load spectra and load-time histories have to be created, for example, for a given design problem. This as well as some other types of application are reported in a final section based on information collected from the literature.