The "Safety Factor" is a measure used in engineering and design to ensure that structures or components can withstand unexpected loads or stresses. It is calculated by dividing the maximum load a structure can handle by the expected load it will experience during its use. A higher safety factor indicates a greater margin of safety, reducing the risk of failure.
For example, if a bridge is designed to support 100 tons but is expected to carry only 50 tons, the safety factor would be 2. This means the bridge can handle twice the load it is expected to face, providing a buffer against unforeseen circumstances, such as extreme weather or increased traffic.