Is the statistical approach suitable for identifying actions on structures?

Static loads acting on structures can be identified by using an inverse strategy based on the knowledge of stresses or strains in a suitable number of their internal points. Such methodology, based on the deterministic or engineering approach, is here framed in a statistical context highlighting differences and similarities. In particular, besides the solution, obtained using the so-called regularization approach, a simple statistical estimate of the reconstructed loads and a global measure of the accuracy are investigated. A discussion on some numerical results relative to pin jointed trusses helps the comparison between deterministic and statistical approach. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.