ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: In this paper, the basic principle of the load and resistance factor format for structural design is reviewed, and the principle for the determination of load and resistance factors using method of moments are described. Some case studies are conducted and it is found that although the load and resistance factors obtained using the method of moments are different from those obtained through the first order reliability method, the required structural resistances under a specific design condition are almost the same. Since the present formula is based on the first few moments of the load and resistances, the LRFs can be determined even when the distributions of the random variables are unknown.
