Date of Award
5-2017
Degree Type
Report
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Committee Chair(s)
Marc Maguire
Committee
Marc Maguire
Committee
Paul Barr
Committee
Joseph A. Caliendo
Abstract
A key challenge in the field of engineering is finding good balance between safety and economy. Extreme safety comes at a high cost, while highly economical yet unsafe situations lead to disaster. The purpose of this project was to analyze the reliability of a newly developed buckling design equation to be used in the design of top chords of open-web joists used in standing seam roof systems.
The analysis considered four different safety factors with a focus on finding whether or not a standard ASD safety factor of 1.67 would be adequate from a safety perspective. Using Monte Carlo simulation techniques, many cases were considered including: various top chord sizes, overall lengths, unbraced lengths, and load types and amounts. This was done to ensure the validity of the reliability-based conclusion drawn. A target reliability index of 3.5 was selected based on building code requirements.
It was determined that overall length and unbraced length did not have a significant impact on the reliability of the structure. It was also determined that a factor of safety of 1.67 can be considered both safe and economical and is recommended for use.
Recommended Citation
Kilmer, Colton, "Reliabilty Analysis Of Unbraced Top Chord Sections Of Open Web Steel Joists Used In Standing Seam Roof Systems" (2017). All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023. 955.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/gradreports/955
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Comments
A key challenge in the field of engineering is finding good balance between safety and economy. Extreme safety comes at a high cost, while highly economical yet unsafe situations lead to disaster. The purpose of this project was to analyze the reliability of a newly developed buckling design equation to be used in the design of top chords of open-web joists used in standing seam roof systems.
The analysis considered four different safety factors with a focus on finding whether or not a standard ASD safety factor of 1.67 would be adequate from a safety perspective. Using Monte Carlo simulation techniques, many cases were considered including: various top chord sizes, overall lengths, unbraced lengths, and load types and amounts. This was done to ensure the validity of the reliability-based conclusion drawn. A target reliability index of 3.5 was selected based on building code requirements.
It was determined that overall length and unbraced length did not have a significant impact on the reliability of the structure. It was also determined that a factor of safety of 1.67 can be considered both safe and economical and is recommended for use.