Reliability assessment of cold-formed steel beams by the FORM method

This article presents a procedure for the reliability assessment of cold-formed steel beams based on Direct Strength Method (DSM) and Effective Section (ESM). Using comprehensive database, statistical analysis test results was performed to determine properties professional factor random variable. The parameters related material strength, geometric load effects were obtained from established references analysis. Safety levels compatible with North American Brazilian codes relating structural design members have been established. first-order method (FORM) used calculate resistance factors φ usual nominal live-dead ratios. showed that DSM ESM methods similar reliability. same as can be ESM, without compromising minimum level LRFD calibration data, presented good approximation = 0.90, except distortional mode. With LSD values well below specified required in order achieve It also found γ 1.25, format standard, could reach safety requirements all buckling modes.