Reliability-based design of reinforced concrete columns

This paper presents an overview of the research conducted at Lakehead University, and summarizes the assumptions and analyses used, related to probability-based design for reinforced concrete columns. Based on the data on the variability of concrete and reinforcing steel physical and geometric properties, estimates were made of the variability of strength of reinforced concrete columns. These data plus statistical descriptions of loadings were used in a first-order, second-moment probabilistic analysis to compute resistance factors. Two sets of resistance factors are discussed in the paper: (a) resistance factors compatible with the current ACI load factors specified in ACI 318-95 Section 9.2; and (b) resistance factors compatible with the ASCE 7-88 (ANSI A58-1) load factors included in ACI 318-95 Appendix C. This provides a direct comparison between the two sets of load and resistance factors that are now part of the ACI 318 safety criteria. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd.