ABSTRACT
In modern Codes of Practice, a limit-state design concept is used. Ultimate (ULS) and serviceability (SLS) limit-states are considered, as well as durability and, in the case of buildings, fire-resistance. Partial safety factors are incorporated in both loads and material strengths, to ensure that the probability of failure (i.e. not satisfying a design requirement) is acceptably low. For British Codes (BS 8110, BS 5400, BS 8007), details are given of design requirements and partial safety factors in Chapter 21, material properties in Chapter 22, durability and fire-resistance in Chapter 23. For EC 2, corresponding data are given in Chapters 29, 30 and 31 respectively.
