Probability Based Load Criteria: Load Factors and Load Combinations

This is the second of two papers that describe a study conducted to develop probability-based load factors and load combinations suitable for use with common construction materials and technologies. In the second phase of the study, described in this paper, the checking equation format for the proposed load criteria was selected, and the load factors and load combinations were computed using a constrained optimization procedure. Comparisons of reliabilities obtained using the proposed procedure with existing criteria are made. Guidance is provided for material specification-writing groups to enable them to select compatible resistance criteria without further numerical computations.