Rationalisation of safety and serviceability factors in structural codes

Suitable methods for the determination of partial safety factors were investigated. The safety formats adopted in a number of national codes and standards are reviewed. Safety provisions currently used in the design of aircraft, ships and structures for nuclear energy plants are discussed. A study has been made of various constraints which should be considered in code drafting. These include requirements for human safety, economic considerations, legal obligations, insurance requirements and statutory control. It has been concluded that statistical reliability theory has been sufficiently developed to provide basis for calculating probabilities of attaining a limit state. Present knowledge in the field is reviewed and recommended Level II procedure is summarised. Examples are given of application of the method to a wide range of structural problems.