What is the purpose of the factor of safety in engineering?

The purpose of the factor of safety in engineering is to ensure structural integrity under unexpected loads. The factor of safety is a calculated value that provides a design margin to protect structures against unforeseen circumstances such as overloads, material flaws, fatigue, or environmental extremes. By incorporating a factor of safety into the design process, engineers account for uncertainties and variabilities in load conditions and material properties, which may not be fully predictable.

This margin ensures that even if the loads exceed the predicted values or if the materials do not perform up to expectations, the structure will still maintain its integrity and not fail. Using a factor of safety is a fundamental aspect of engineering practices, ensuring that structures can safely handle unforeseen stresses throughout their operational lives. This approach enhances reliability and safety in engineering designs, thereby safeguarding users and the overall environment within which these structures function.