Lightning hazard of structures and protection system efficiency

A probabilistic method for assessing the lightning hazard of structures and a simplification of this method for practical purposes is proposed and discussed. The risk of structural damage is evaluated as a function of the efficiency of the lightning protection system, the probability of damage due to a single flash, and the frequency with which lightning flashes strike the structure. Simplifications of this method are introduced; the damage probabilities are replaced by a weighting coefficient corresponding to different properties of the structure but without respect to economical factors, which should be considered on the background of local particularities. These considerations are illustrated by practical examples.<>