ABSTRACT
It is customary to evaluate the structural integrity of trusses by using deterministic analysis techniques and appropriate load/safety factors. Traditionally, these factors are an outcome of many years of analytical, as well as experimental, experience in the areas of structural mechanics/design. Load factors are used to take into account uncertainties in many different operating conditions, including the maximum loads. Safety factors are used to account for unknown effects in analysis assumptions, fabrication tolerances, and material properties.
