Question

Which of the following relation is correct?

(a) Design Load = Characteristic Load

(b) Design Load = Characteristic Load + Partial factor of safety

(c) Design Load = Characteristic Load / Partial factor of safety

(d) Design Load = Characteristic Load x Partial factor of safety

I have been asked this question during a job interview.

Origin of the question is Limit State Method in portion Basics of Structural Design of Design of Steel Structures

Answer 1

Correct choice is (d) Design Load = Characteristic Load x Partial factor of safety

To explain I would say: Design Load = Partial factor of safety x Characteristic Load.

This partial safety factor accounts for possibility of unfavourable deviation of load from characteristic value, inaccurate assessment of load, uncertainty in assessment of effects of load and in assessment of limit state being considered.