factor of safety

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Definition of "Factor of Safety"

Factor of Safety (noun) refers to a measure used in engineering and construction. It is the ratio of the strength of a structure (how much stress it can handle before breaking) to the maximum stress it is expected to experience during ordinary use. This means that a structure is designed to be stronger than what it will usually face, to prevent failure or accidents.

Usage Instructions

• In Context: You would typically use "factor of safety" when discussing engineering, building design, or safety standards.
• Example Sentence: "The bridge was designed with a factor of safety of 2, meaning it can handle twice the maximum load it is expected to support."

Advanced Usage

In more advanced discussions, the factor of safety can also involve considerations for unexpected loads, changes in materials over time, and safety regulations. Engineers may calculate this factor using complex formulas and data.

Word Variants

• Factors of Safety (plural): Used when referring to multiple structures or different safety measures.
• Safety Factor: An alternative term that means the same thing as "factor of safety."

Different Meanings

While "factor of safety" specifically refers to engineering, the word "factor" itself can have different meanings in other contexts: - A factor can mean a part or element that contributes to a result (e.g., "Many factors contribute to climate change."). - In mathematics, a factor can refer to numbers that multiply together to get another number (e.g., "2 and 3 are factors of 6.").

Synonyms

• Safety Margin
• Safety Ratio

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

While "factor of safety" does not have specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to it, you may hear phrases like: - "Play it safe": This means to be cautious and avoid taking risks, similar to the idea behind having a factor of safety. - "Cover all bases": This means to prepare for all possible outcomes, similar to ensuring safety in design.

Summary

In summary, the "factor of safety" is an important concept in engineering that helps ensure structures are safe and reliable.

Academic

Noun

1. the ratio of the breaking stress of a structure to the estimated maximum stress in ordinary use

Synonyms

• safety factor