Limit State Method

1. Introduction
1. Design Methods
2. Assumptions
1. Working Stress Method
2. Ultimate Load Method
3. Limit State Method

2. Stress Strain Curve For Concrete and Steel

3. Partial Safety Factor and Characteristic

Values

4. Stress Block Parameters

IS 456:2000 Provisions
 Characteristic Strength of Materials
The term characteristic strength means that value of the strength of the material below which not more than 5
percent of the test results are expected to fall. The characteristic strength for concrete shall be in accordance with Table
2. Until the relevant Indian Standard Specifications for reinforcing steel are modified to include the concept of
characteristic strength, the characteristic value shall be assumed as the minimum yield stress/O.2 ~percent proof stress
specified in the relevant Indian Standard Specifications.

36.3 Design Values

36.3.1 Materials The design strength of-the materials,& is given by
f
ii=-;;-
where f =
Ym =
lm
characteristic strength of the material (see 36.1), and partial safety factor appropriate to
the material and the limit state being considered.
36.3.2 Loadr The design load, F, is given by Fd=FYf where F=
Yf =
characteristic load (see 36.2). and partial safety factor appropriate to the nature of
loading and the limit state being considered.
36.2 Characteristic Loads The term
characteristic load means that value of load
which has a 95 percent probability of not being
exceeded during the life of the structure. Since
data are not available to express loads in
statistical terms, for the purpose of this
standard, dead loads given in IS 875 (Part l),
imposea loads given in IS 875 (Part 2), wind
loads given in IS 875 (Part 3), snow load as
given in IS 875 (Part 4) and seismic forces given
in IS 1893 shall be assumed as the
characteristic loads.
DESIGN CONCEPTS

Safety: implies that the likelihood of (partial or total) collapse of

structure is acceptably low not only under (normal loads) service
loads but also under overloads.

Serviceability: satisfactory performance of structure under service

loads without discomfort to user due to excessive deflections,
cracking, vibration etc. Other considerations such as durability,
impermeability, acoustic and thermal insulation etc.

Limit State Design

Limit States
Purpose: to achieve acceptable probability that a structure will not
become unfit for its intended use i.e. that it will not reach a limit
state.

Thus, a structure ceases to be fit for use will constitute a limit state
and the design aims to avoid any such condition being reached
during the expected life of the structure.
 Two principle types of limit state are;

i. Ultimate Limit State

ii. Serviceability Limit State

Limit State Design

Ultimate Limit State

This requires that the structure must be able
to withstand, with an adequate factor of safety
against collapse, the loads for which it is
designed.

Limit state of Collapse: flexure, shear,

compression, torsion, bearing, etc.

Possibility of buckling or overturning must

also be taken into account, as must the
possibility of accidental damage as caused, for
example, by an internal explosion.
Serviceability Limit States

Most important serviceability limit states are

Deflection: appearance or efficiency of any

part of the structure must not be adversely
affected by deflections.

Cracking: local damage due to cracking and

spalling must not affect the appearance,
efficiency or durability of structure.

Durability: this must be considered in terms

of the proposed life of the structure and its
conditions of exposure.

Serviceability Limit States

Other limit states include

Excessive vibration: which may cause

discomfort or alarm as well as damage.

Fatigue: must be considered if cyclic loading

is likely.
 Fire resistance: this must be considered in
terms of resistance to collapse, flame
penetration and heat transfer.

Special circumstances: any special

requirements of the structure which are not
covered by any of the more common limit
states, such as earthquake resistance, must be
taken into account.