Limit states design of steel structures—performance factors

Abstract

A detailed statistical analysis to give ratios of mean to nominal values and associated coefficients of variation (based on raw data collected from Canadian mills on the strength and geometric properties of rolled W shapes, welded W shapes, and class H hollow structural sections) is presented. By relating the tested capacity (based on physical tests performed by others) to the predicted capacity (based on the design equations in CSA standard S16.1-1974, Steel Structures for Buildings—Limit States Design), the professional ratio and its associated coefficient of variation were determined for steel columns as a function of the slenderness ratio, as well as for laterally supported and laterally unsupported steel beams, enabling the performance factor to be determined for these members over the entire range of behaviour. A serviceability criterion for steel bridges is presented.