RELIABILITY ANALYSIS FOR SHORT BEAM-COLUMNS IN STEEL. ACMSM 9; THE NINTH AUSTRALASIAN CONFERENCE ON THE MECHANICS OF STRUCTURES AND MATERIALS, 29-31 AUGUST 1984, UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY

Methods for the reliability analysis of beam-columns are examined. The single variable and basic variable approaches are used to determine the reliability of the current design methods for steel beam-columns which fail by plasticity. Lateral-torsional and local buckling effects are not, as yet, included. The simpler single variable method is shown to give lower beta-reliability indices than the basic variable method. The beta values are in the range of 4 or greater which is in keeping with the results for current design methods for composite beams, short concrete columns, steel beams and steel columns. The single variable method is considered the most practical for studying the reliability of beam-columns as it can be used for all types of members thus allowing a uniform approach to be adopted. (Author/TRRL)