Basic statistics of strength limit states of reinforced concrete members in Saudi Arabia

Abstract EN

Reliability principles have been employed successfully in the development of design codes of reinforced concrete and steel structures.

These methods were employed to guide the selection of load and resistance factors which account for the variabilities in the individual load and resistance parameters.

One of the major steps towards the reliability analysis is to estimate the statistical characteristics of the strength limit states of structural members.

In this study, the mean-to-nominal ratios, coefficient of variations, and types of distribution functions of the strength of reinforced concrete beams and short columns were investigated employing the statistics of basic parameters obtained under the prevailing construction practices in Saudi Arabia.

The Monte-Carlo simulation technique is employed in the study.

The sensitivity of these characteristics to the variations in the basic parameters is investigated.

Representative values of these characteristics are selected.

Results obtained in this study are essential for reliability analysis and determination of appropriate safety factors for the Saudi Design Code of Reinforced Concrete Structures.