ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: The objectives of the present paper are to probabilistically evaluate the load level of column over-designed frame structures under a specific reliability level and to present the target values of the Column Over-design Factor (COF) by which the undesirable story mechanisms can be avoided in probabilistic means. The load levels for target COF evaluation are analyzed, and an empirical formula describing the relationship between the load and COF is proposed. The COF requirements for probabilistically avoiding story mechanisms of frame structures are investigated based on the comparison of occurrence probabilities between entire beam-hinging failure mode and the most likely story mechanisms.
