The design of computer-based instrumentation and control (I&C) systems is determined by the allocation of I&C functions to I&C systems and components. Due to the characteristics of computer-based technology, component failures can negatively affect several I&C functions, so that the reliability proof of the I&C systems requires the accomplishment of I&C system design analyses throughout the I&C life-cycle. On one hand, this paper proposes the restructuring of the sequential IEC 61513 I&C life-cycle according to the V-model, so as to adequately integrate the concept of verification and validation. On the other hand, based on a metamodel for the modeling of I&C systems, this paper introduces a method for the modeling and analysis of the effects with respect to the superposition of failure combinations and event sequences on the I&C system design, i.e. the temporal change of physical structure is analyzed. In the first step, the method is concerned with the modeling of the I&C systems. In the second step, the method considers the analysis of temporal change of physical structure, which integrates the concepts of the diversity and defense-in-depth analysis, fault tree analysis, event tree analysis, and failure mode and effects analysis.